Focused Note Taking Process

Phase 1- Take Notes

• Decide Note taking format
• Write down the Essential Question
• Take notes on the topic given
• Paraphrase- do NOT write every word down
Phase 2- Process Notes
• Revise notes – underline, highlight, circle, add
information, delete information
• Organize notes
• Revise within 24 hours of taking notes
Phase 3- Connecting Thinking
• Think beyond the notes
• Ask questions
• Connect notes to previous learning
Phase 4- Summarize and Reflecting on Learning
• Think about notes as a whole
• Create a summary of the main idea
• Reflect on how what you learned helps you in class
Phase 5- Apply Learning
• Use the notes
• Show what you know
• Re-visit your notes throughout the school year