Re: [Phys-l] note-taking, or not

[Derek Chirnside <derek.chirnside@gmail.com>]

On 1 May 2012 08:04, John Denker <jsd@av8n.com> wrote:

> So far as my own personal learning goes, I certainly find
> it next to impossible to take notes and pay attention at
> the same time.

John: I'm the opposite.
*I find it next to impossible to pay attention UNLESS I take notes.*

lecturer says "there are three things" I write '1' and get prepared.
Cause and effect, sequences: I draw boxes and arrows.
Compare and contrast: I draw tables with 2 columns.
I do bullet points, tables, lists, scribbles, diagrams.
Puzzled, I draw ? and check box to come back to, and tick when done.
etc

I never stress if I can't "keep up".  But time an d time again I can glance
back and recall something I need to to understand a current statement.  (If
you get that)

I have over 130 indexed notebooks.

I use this process as a way to stay on task and focused.  I think of two
models:

If I am listening to a speaker I want maybe 0.5-1 good new ideas a minute.
To not waste my time.
Or I struggle.  Ideas come and I am sometimes lost.  Then I expect later
the penny to drop.  Like and avalanche.  In this case I need to try to be
patient.  And I find notes help me.

Either way my writing helps me.

And in my classes I have a standard spiel: *"It's Note Making, not note
taking" * YOU are creating your map of the ideas and concepts.  Don't
*rely* on handout notes. (I know students who say I don't go to class
because I can get the notes) Use highlighters, underlinings, numbers in
margin. . . .

IMO, the evidence is clear from my classes: whatever happens it n eeds to
be ACTIVE.  Active thinking and engagement and active note-taking - great.
But mere reading over notes - or passive listening: ineffective.

-Derek