There is a big difference between hearing and listening. Active listening is a skill that must be developed and a crucial component to being an active note taker. An active listener comes to class prepared and ready to learn by bringing the right materials, positioning herself at the front of the classroom, and accepting the responsibility to learn herself. Active note taking helps a student focus attention during a class, lecture or meeting.
Middle school is often the point where learning becomes more self-directed. As students in middle and high school move between classes, organizing and retaining a variety of information become the key to academic success. Active note taking is a skill that can be taught and younger students need to be given guidance and opportunities to practice.
Active note taking becomes a central component to learning as students move into the lecture-centered classrooms of college. For college students, active note takers pre-read chapters before class, listen for main ideas during class, ask questions, remain open to new concepts and make an effort to relate material to real life.
For younger students, teachers often have particular note taking systems for their students to follow. High school and college students are expected to know how to take notes, which is a skill that needs procedures and practice.
The 5 R's is a good way to remember the important components of active note taking. Record information during class. Reduce your notes by summarizing the main points. Recite your notes aloud after class. Reflect on your notes by making connections. Review your notes on a regular basis.
The Cornell note taking system organizes the page into three areas. Three quarters of the right side of the page is dedicated to note taking. A smaller column on the left is entitled "cues" and is for listing the most salient points of the lecture after class. Across the bottom of the page is a summary section for paraphrasing information and making connections.