Enhancing Engagement And Reading Retention

Effective note-taking is vital for students in all learning environments. It’s even vital beyond school too! Note-taking is just one of those technical skills you can keep in your life toolbox and use for many purposes. Let’s explore a few different methods to enhance note-taking skills:  

1. Cornell Method: Let’s face it, note-taking in school can be #teamtoomuch. You have the teacher sharing a ton of information in a short time period that you need to listen to and write notes for – often simultaneously. And when we say write we mean scribble and try to keep those thoughts on paper organized some way for easy recall later.  Instead of taking notes this way, the Cornell method can help by adding a touch of organization to the mix.  Before learning more about the method, check out this resource which gives you the history of how this note-taking method was created. Fun fact – the professor who created the idea was a professor at Cornell (which speaks to the note-taking name). Here are the steps:  
   • divide your page into three sections. You can either draw a line or fold the paper to create these sections.  
   • In the left-hand column, jot down the main ideas. These are the juicy nuggets of knowledge you can’t forget.  
   • Then, sprinkle in those supporting details in the larger section to the right. These are like the breadcrumbs that lead you back to the main ideas.  
   • And finally, at the bottom of the page, wrap it all up with a neat summary. Think of it as the cherry on top of your note-taking sundae.  

We know you are probably thinking: “Why bother with all this fuss?” Well, the few minutes invested up front preparing a sheet of paper this way is an organized game changer. When it comes time to plan your curriculum or review your lessons, having your notes neatly laid out like this is like having a treasure map to success.  If you are into digital notetaking this system exists as a template in apps like Notion and EverNote. So whether you are doing this by hand or digitally, embrace the Cornell Method, and watch your notes transform from chaotic scribbles into organized masterpieces. Trust us, your future self will thank you for it!  

1. Mind Mapping: It happens to all of us at some point. You’ve got a complex concept swirling around, like a whirlwind of ideas just waiting to be untangled. Instead of getting lost in the maze of information, map it out visually.  
   • Enter the mighty mind map, your trusty companion in the quest for comprehension. With its branches reaching out like tendrils of understanding, a mind map is like a roadmap for your thoughts. Whether mapping out that epic unit study for your homeschool room or helping a student navigate the hybrid school terrain, mind maps are a secret weapon for simplifying even the most mazelike topics.
   • By connecting ideas and concepts in a visual format, you’re creating a roadmap that your brain can easily follow. No more getting lost in the weeds of confusion! With a mind map at your side, you can break down complex topics into bite-sized chunks, making them easier to digest and comprehend.    
   • We like to think this is your excuse to grab your metaphorical crayons and let those creativity thoughts run wild. Whether sketching out the branches of a biology lesson or charting the course of a historical event, mind maps are a gateway to clarity and understanding. Trust us, once you start mapping out your thoughts, you’ll wonder how you survived without them!  
2. Color Coding: Instead of drowning in a sea of monotony with notetaking, why not harness the power of color to bring your notes to life?  
   • Enter the magical world of color-coded notes, where every hue tells a story, and every shade holds a secret. By assigning different colors to different categories or themes, you’re not just making your notes visually appealing; you’re unlocking a whole new level of organization and comprehension.  
   • Let’s think of this way. imagine a student is studying for a history exam and has notes on everything from ancient civilizations to modern-day politics. By color-coding their notes, they can assign a different color to each period or topic. Suddenly, those dry facts and figures spring to life, each jumping off the page in vibrant color.  This extends to beyond school also. Company meetings can be a space where many different ideas are shared and topics discussed. Try color coding those topics or develop a color-coding system to keep those routine company meeting notes organized. 
   • By categorizing notes this way, we are tapping into the power of visual memory Studies have shown that color-coded information is easier to recall and retain. For sure, this is a definite game changer for study sessions.