In-Class Notes Assignment

You will turn in handwritten notes for each day of class lecture/discussion
and for the READ|WATCH items on days we are working online.

HOW TO TAKE NOTES IN A SKILLS CLASS

Any writing class, much like math or reading, is a skills class. Instead of learning facts
and dates, you are learning how to do something. As such, taking notes in a skills class
requires you to focus on what to do and how to do it. As we go through the course,
this is at the heart of our study. I expect your notes to become more thorough and
thoughtful as the semester progresses and I will grade more strictly as we move toward
the end.

WHAT AND HOW

As you take notes, focus on what and how. Here are some examples and tips:

• Discussion of assignments/writing • Grammar

o What is required o Basic rules in your own words
o What key things make it stand o Tests or rules for checking
out grammar
o What things are not allowed o Examples that stand out
o Due dates
o Processes and steps • Other things that stand out as
significant
• Sample Essays
o Format • Anything your teacher repeats
o Key parts/sections
o Successful techniques • Keywords and concepts
o Specific wording or elements
required • Questions you have for me
o Examples that stand out
• Ideas that come to you for
assignments you’re working on.

Integrate your own style. If drawing lines, arrows, sketches, or other things help you,
then do that.

You may find it useful to use the list under Some Other Ideas About Notetaking (Videos)

"What we'll do in class" on the schedule as a • Drawing in Class

starting outline for your daily notes, though • Sketch Noting
• How to take Great Notes
you should include any other things
• How to take Notes for Work (A cool idea that could be
discussed as well. modified for class notes.)
• How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods
• 4 Tips for Active Listening | Jim Kwik
LAYOUT
Put your name and the date in the right-hand corner of your paper and number
each page. Other than that, the form and structure is up to you.

Here are some examples:

Your Name Your Name

Notes for 1/21/20 Notes for 1/21/20
Pg. 1 Pg. 1
How to take notes for Skills Classes Taking notes in a skills
 What to do class.
 Instructions
 Options
 What not to do
Sources that help
 If teacher mentions it more than once, just •Handouts •Websites •Research Librarians
?
don’t do it! •College resources or offices •Writing Center Kelli, can I use
i/me/my in this
essay?
 No yous!
 What things stand out
 Different ways to meet the requirements or What to do
What NOT to do

*Instructions *Options *blow off the assignment

do things in the assignment. *Due dates *Do Nots
*Different requirements *just write down what’s on the
 Sources that help do this *Stuff I like and don’t like schedule or a few words.
*Things teachers get really
 Writing center Essay
excited about or go on and on
about
*try to write down things
word-for-word (just listen to
idea *Ideas I get the video again)
 Research Librarians Ocean *Questions I have for Kelli

 Tutoring

Question:
Kelli, can we use “I/me/my” in this essay? ?? Essay topic ideas ??
wedding ring • snow shovel

GRADING & CREDIT

GRADING STANDARDS
Your notes will be graded on capturing major points and details for the day, asking
questions, and generally showing that you’re intellectually interacting with the class.

This will count toward both your coursework and participation grade. It is also the way I
take attendance after the first week.

CSD NOTE TAKING

If you qualify for a note-take through CSD, you need to take what notes you can during
class/class videos and as you read, then you need to highlight or annotate the notes
from the CSD notetaker. Your notes on the notetaker’s notes should show that you’ve
done more than just read through them; they should show you have thought about the
significant points and added any thoughts, ideas, or things you noted.

Discuss this with me. If you don’t take time to talk with me about this, I won’t make any
modifications. It’s your responsibility to communicate with me.
EXTRA CREDIT
If you take notes on homework readings and videos, you can earn up to 20 points
extra credit.
 To get credit, clearly label those sections with “Homework” and
give the title of the homework reading/video at the start of your
notes for it.

Additionally, I may add extra credit points for notes that are exemplary.

TURNING NOTES IN
No matter how you turn them in, make sure they are organized and clearly
labeled as discussed above.
I WILL NOT GRADE UNORGANIZED AND/OR UNLABELED NOTES.

IN-CLASS
Notes should be turned in as you leave class. If you need a copy of your notes, please
take a picture of them before handing them in. They will also be used to take
attendance. If you are in class but do not take notes and turn them in, you will not be
considered present if you don’t at least turn in a piece of paper with your name on it.

I generally return notes to you by the next class period.

WHEN ABSENT
If you cannot attend class in person, you should watch the recording before our next
class and take notes. Turn those notes in during the next class period. If you are going
to be absent for more than one day and you know in advance, talk to me about this.

The link to the YouTube Playlist with our class videos is on the first page of your daily
schedule.