About this resource
Good notes help students remember and review. This guide teaches a two-column notes template with key ideas and questions, common abbreviations, a mind map option and a short review routine after class.
Purpose
To teach students practical ways to take and review notes.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Educators and school support staff. Also relevant for youth workers, occupational therapists.
Client or participant group: Upper primary and secondary students.
Practice setting: Classrooms and study support.
Suggested uses
- Study skills lessons
- Senior school preparation
- Students with organisation difficulties
- Homework support
Instructions for practitioners
- Model note-taking during a short explanation.
- Practise with short texts or videos.
- Allow typed or recorded notes where appropriate.
- Revisit regularly.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Use the template in class.
- Add questions in the left column.
- Review your notes within a day.
Accessibility considerations
Allow typed notes, recordings or provided notes as adjustments.
Scope and limitations
A study skills resource.
Research basis
Practice testing and spaced study are among the most effective learning strategies, and self-regulated learning skills can be taught. Executive functions such as planning, working memory and self-control develop over time and can be supported with external structure and practice.
- Diamond, A. (2013). Executive Functions. Annual Review of Psychology, 64(1), 135–168. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-113011-143750
- Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 14(1), 4–58. https://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266
- Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory Into Practice, 41(2), 64–70. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430421tip4102_2
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
