Two-Column Notes Made Easy

Rosalyn Shahid

Why take notes?

Research suggests note-taking is a valuable skill set, but warns that not all note-taking is equal. Therefore, four tips are given to the note-taker (Marzano, 2001):

1. “verbatim note taking is, perhaps, the least effective way to take notes” (p. 43)

2. “notes should be considered a work in progress”(p. 44)

3. “notes should be used as study guides for tests” (p. 44)

4. “the more notes that are taken the better”(p. 44)

What are two-column notes?

Two-column notes are one of many note-taking strategies. The purpose for this strategy is to write notes systematically using headings and subheading to structure the layout of the notes. In two-column notes the entire page is used including the ½ inch margin on the page.

Major headings are written in the left column and elaborated upon in the right column. The elaborations may take the form of bulleted points, summary statements, subheadings, defining statements, new information, or synthesis of prior and new knowledge.

What are the procedures for taking two-column notes?

There are four basic procedures in two-column note-taking

1. Write the topic or chapter title across the top the notes page.

Step 1:Write the topic or chapter title across the top the notes page

Topic or chapter title

Step 2: Divide a paper into two columnsTopic

Left column 1/3

Right column 2/3

Divide a paper into two columns: a main idea column which is a 1/3 column on the left of paper and 2/3 column on the right that is reserved for expanding upon the main ideas in the left column.

Step 3: Write the major headings of text in the left column

Interrogating Texts: 6 Reading Habits to Develop in Your First Year at Harvard

Introduction

Previewing:Look “around” the text before you start reading

The following sample notes slides are taken from the article: Interrogating Texts: 6 Reading Habits to Develop in Your First Year at Harvard

Click Below to access articlehttp://hcl.harvard.edu/research/guides/lamont_handouts/interrogatingtexts.html

Step 4: Write key phrases, quotes, or sentences that represent the sections main ideas

Interrogating Texts: 6 Reading Habits to Develop in Your First Year at Harvard

Introduction

Previewing:Look “around” the text before you start reading

1. Read actively and deliberately. The habits of active reading are previewing ,annotating ,outline summarize, analyze repetitions and patterns, contextualize, compare and contrast , which may be used simultaneously.

Focus your reading through previewing. Consider text organization and how it effects meaning and the authors purpose. Set expectations for reading through previewing.

Click Below to access articlehttp://hcl.harvard.edu/research/guides/lamont_handouts/interrogatingtexts.html

Are there variations of two-column notes?

There are many variations of two-column notes. Some include:

1. Rewriting chapter headings and subheadings as questions

2. Write vocabulary terms in the left column and define the term in the right column

Are there variations of two-column notes?Interrogating Texts: 6 Reading Habits to Develop in Your First Year at Harvard

Introduction: What is the overall purpose of the reading?

What does it mean tolook “around” the text before you start reading?

To explore the habits of active reading. The habits include: 1.previewing 2. annotating 3.outline summarize, analyze 4. repetitions and patterns5.contextualize 6.compare and contrast

Looking around texts means previewing the information before reading the material. Some examples of previewing are noting the text’s layout, author notes, the writing genre.

There are many variations of two-column notes. Some include:Rewriting heading and subheadings as questions of having a vocabulary emphasis.

Click Below to access articlehttp://hcl.harvard.edu/research/guides/lamont_handouts/interrogatingtexts.html

What classes might two-column notes be most effective?

Two column notes may be effective in most disciplines, particularly areas where there is a heavy emphasis on reading. Some include:

• Social sciences (e.g. history, women’s studies, philosophy, sociology, psychology, and etc.)

• Natural sciences (e.g. chemistry, biology, physics, anatomy)

• English (e.g. literature and writing)

Conclusions

Two-column notes are a study strategy that may positively influence:

• Student achievement• Retention of information• Organization of lecture notes• Efficiency of study time management

Questions or Comments

Think about the how you can include two-column notes into your study program.

Please post your questions or comments on my blog http://shahidnotetakingmadeeasy.blogspot.com/

Thank you