Friday, November 5, 2021

Notes for My Future Forgetful Self Meet the Vertical White Boards

Today, the students took notes. (Ch. 11)
I supplied the headings.
They wrote down what they had learned
And didn't want to forget.

Since the first time we tried this,
I could see an improvement for many of my students.
There weren't as many blank spots.
Students were thinking...and writing.

Before transitioning into the next part of the activity,
We discussed what changes could be made to help them with the note taking.

1) Students have been seen taking out their notebooks during new learning
And taking NOTES ON THEIR OWN!
Seriously, I haven't said a word.
They are taking notes as notes were intended to be took!

2) Staying dialed in during class learning activities.
Some of my students are still having a hard time staying focused 100% of the time.
This is telling when they go to write down notes from their learning.
There just isn't much there,
If anything at all.

3) Not being afraid to write something down that might be wrong.
Writing on paper can be scary.
It's more permanent than the white boards.
Even if it's in your very own notebook.
I encouraged students to write down their thoughts,
Even if they were wrong.
It is better to iron out the misconceptions now in a whole group discussion,
Then wait to see the mistakes on the quiz next week.

After students got down their individual thoughts,
Each vertical white board had the same headings as their notes.
Students were to travel from board to board, 
Adding any new content from their notes.

I intended this to be an eye opening experience for my students.
BUT BOY WAS IT AN EYE OPENER FOR ME!!!!
Gaps in learning were quickly made apparent.
Mistakes jumped off the boards.
Misconceptions were brought to light.
Levels of learning (basic to advanced) were highlighted.

Once students finished contributing to the boards,
They were to go back to their seats to add to their notes.
As a whole group, we went over each board.
Correcting mistakes.
Highlighting main ideas.
And adding additional material that was initially forgotten.

While I didn't have much hope for notes for my future forgetful self at first,
Our perseverance at working on this skill is definitely paying off.











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