For online students, establishing good note-taking and summarizing skills, where they dissect complex information into digestible and manageable chunks, is essential for success. These techniques can help online learners understand and retain information better, improving their learning experience.
Fortunately, taking notes and summarizing is not as difficult as it sounds. Here are two effective notetaking methods for online students and their proven benefits.
The SQ3R Method
The SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, and Review) is a highly effective reading and study technique first introduced by Francis P. Robinson in 1946. This technique helps students understand information from textbooks and other written materials.
With the SQ3R method, students can enhance reading comprehension, retain information better, improve concentration throughout study sessions, and develop critical thinking skills.
The processes involved in the SQ3R method are as follows:
Survey – Skim through the headings, subheadings, graphics, and chapter summaries to get a general idea of the content.
Question – Create questions based on the material surveyed to stimulate curiosity and clarify key concepts.
Read – Read actively by connecting prior knowledge to new information and seeking answers to questions formed earlier.
Recite – Summarize each section or concept in your own words to ensure you have understood it correctly.
Review – Revisit material periodically to consolidate understanding and reinforce long-term retention.
Using the SQ3R method allows students to understand what they’re reading, resulting in a stronger foundation for studying multiple subjects.
2. The Cornell Note-Taking System
Professor Walter Pauk developed this process at Cornell University in the 1950s. It combines summaries, recall cues, and efficient note organization to facilitate active learning and retention.
Online learners can benefit from using the Cornell note-taking system during study sessions or while watching lectures. It enables students to use their time efficiently by emphasizing organization and active learning techniques. Plus, this approach makes it easier for learners to review and retain essential information from lectures and study materials.
Here’s how to use the Cornell note-taking system:
Set Up – Divide a sheet of paper into three sections: the note-taking column, the cue column, and the summary area.
The note-taking column occupies two-thirds of the page on the right side, while the cue column takes up one-third on the left. Reserve the bottom fifth of the page for summarizing key points.
Take Notes – Record your notes in the larger note-taking column on the right side of the page during lectures or while reading. Use bullets, abbreviations, and symbols to organize information.
Don’t forget to jot down the main ideas, supporting points, and examples.
Add Recall Cues – After class or while reviewing your notes, add questions or brief statements in the cue column. It will help trigger your memory about each corresponding point in your notes. These cues can be questions you’d like to explore further or keywords/phrases that summarize specific concepts.
Summarize – Write a few sentences or bullet points in the summary area at the bottom of your paper to summarize what you’ve learned. This will provide quick access to critical information when reviewing for exams.
Review – Regularly revisit your Cornell notes to learn through repetition and reinforcement. Quiz yourself using cues/questions in your recall column and practice explaining their related concepts without looking at your notes.
Benefits of effective summarizing and note-taking techniques
Summarizing and note-taking techniques enhance critical thinking skills. By engaging in these practices, students become active learners. These methods strengthen comprehension, analysis, and organization of information. As a result, summarizing and note-taking encourage a more profound understanding and better evaluation of ideas.
Further, these techniques can enhance retention. Online students can significantly benefit from learning effective summarizing and note-taking techniques. It can help them focus on the key concepts and create a concise version of the material.
Note-taking also boosts engagement, helping learners stay attentive during online classes. These strategies promote long-term memory retention. Not only that, but students can save time studying if they know how to take good notes and create valuable summaries.
For example, taking short, clear notes during lessons or while studying lets you review the main points later. This eliminates the need to re-watch videos or re-read lengthy texts. As a result, the learning process becomes faster and more efficient.
Furthermore, summarizing what you’ve learned enhances your comprehension of the core concepts. This enables you to retain more information without devoting additional time to the same material.
Conclusion
Effective note-taking and summarizing skills are key to a successful online learning experience. Use the SQ3R and Cornell note-taking methods to improve critical thinking, information retention, and time management.
These strategies help break down complex information for easier understanding, leading to academic success. Find the best method for your learning style. Despite the challenges, you can keep on refining your skills in this ever-evolving online learning environment.