Do you require students to take notes?

Question

Some of my pre-algebra students don't take notes when I'm giving them. I think the original teacher didn't mind (I am the student teacher). Should I make a big deal of it? PS: It is high school.

Answer 1

I think so,taking notes ALWAYS helps me esp. with math!But,you have to do what the original teacher expects from her students.I guess what I would do in that situation is sit down with the teacher above you & ask her opinion on these things.

Answer 2

Good question! It's a reasonable question for a student teacher. You cannot make students do anything. You can encourage them. You can show the error of their ways. If allowed, give a pop quiz over the day's lecture. Let them use their notes. Of course, if they don't care about their grade, it won't make much of a difference.

Students often do not take notes in high school because they do not know how to take notes. Even if your write something on the board, they may not copy it. You might try "you should copy this, it's on the test.

Answer 3

Personally I don't think that even if you mention that they require that all students will care, it is highschool. Notes are a good idea, they help you stay on task and learn more efficiently. When some students are required to take notes, they will focus on writting the material down and getting it on paper, and not on the actual content. What you can do is take a few of the MOST important notes, and it might set an example for some of the students. Or just CASUALLY say "hey (child) i'm taking notes. Your not. It helps." If they say no, then it is their fault. With that quote you are not presuring them and comanding them, you are sorta joking with them but they will feel the jist of it, and possibly create a bond with you. A GREAT teaching example is the movie "Freedom Writers"

Answer 4

I'm a sophmore in high school currently and i'm in all honors classes, including senior math. I hate when teachers make you take notes because my learning style conflicts with this. If I hear something, I easily remember everything. When I'm taking notes though, I can't write down the notes and listen at the same time. So, usually I walk out really confused with some notes i don't understand. Write down the notes for those who want to take them, but don't make it a requirement. That's the best advice i can give you. Good luck with your teaching career.

Answer 5

Absolutely!! Taking notes is a sign of respect, it shows they are giving you their attention, and it gives them something to refer back to when the issue comes up later. If not, they will waste some ones time by not noting it and asking a question that was already covered in class.

People also learn differently, some people are kenistetic , others are audio, and the rest are visual

Answer 6

Give an unannounced test, even a 5 minute one, at the start of a class. Ask the class, after they have all failed, if they can't remember after one day haw will they recall the info in an exam? Ask the regular teacher if they will be covering the work again and pass on the news (that it won't be covered again in class) to the class and that it is examinable.

Answer 7

my general rule is that if students are doing pretty good in the class, I don't worry about it. However, if a student is getting a C- or below, I check their notes once a week. This way I know they are paying attention and trying the problems we are doing in class.

Answer 8

I teach 8th grade and I require that my students take notes. Many of them don't keep up with them, but that is their responsibility. It is my job to see that they take them while in my class.

Answer 9

It's their life that's happening, you can recommend to them taking notes, if they don't, it's their fault.