Cornell Notes: Note Taking Done Differently

Cornell Notes: Note Taking Done Differently

One method of note taking I really like to use with students is the Cornell method.   The basic form is a two column note taking method to summarize what is being studied.  You can print out a form, teach students how to create this in their notebook or share a Google Doc.  I really like the Google option since it is easy to share with me or other students and it is less likely to get lost.

I've modified the original version for my classroom.  

Most models include a two column note taking system.  I've modified mine into three.  I've also added a focus at the beginning.  I like to have students use "I" statements related to the standard : "I will learn the 3 causes of ..." 

They also need to restate the essential question so they have a focus point as they read or watch a video.

I give them the key concepts they will come across as they study.  They can add additional ones if they choose.

I use this quite often and the students seem to do a nice job. It is easy for me to evaluate what they are actually understanding from the assigned material.  I also like to let students do note comparisons with other students.

Here is the Google Doc.   

2 iPad Tips to Make Your Teaching Day More Efficient

2 iPad Tips to Make Your Teaching Day More Efficient

There are so many things we can do with iPads in the classroom.  I scarcely remember how I even taught B.i. (Before iPads).  Sometimes we work so hard to focus on ways to use them with students, I think we forget that these powerful devices can make our life easier as the teacher using our device.

Here are a couple of my favorite ways to use MY iPad to make my teaching world more efficient.

1. Two Minute Warning - Set the clock for a “two-minute” warning for end of each class period.  My students have become so accustomed to hearing two minute warning, they have stopped watching the clock and just wait for the alarm to go off each day.  Since my class is history, I use a song from the era we are studying as the alarm.  

         

Open the clock + a new Alarm Select the time - I like 2 minutes before the bell. Choose to repeat Name your alarm Pick a fun song that goes with your class.

2. Google Forms - Create and save Google Forms on your iPad Home Screen

OK - So I love Google forms anyway, let me just get that out of the way.  I use them all the time, personally and professionally.

Then, add on the easy tap of  a iPad icon for easy access to a form that I can use in class to do things such as track behaviors (good or bad), book sign out, library sign-out, quick grade sheet . . . the list goes on and on.  Life is good.

Create a form in Google forms (See some of my samples below. Send the form to yourself and open your email on your iPad. Open the form link in Safari to see the full form. Tap the share button and “Add to Home Screen”

Here are some sample forms that would be helpful at the touch of a finger:

Bad Behavior tracking  

Class participation

Training check in

Resource Check out (books…)
Modifications

Quizizz - a ramped up Kahoot

Fun learning and Reviewing
Every year I leave the TIES conference pumped up to use all the new ideas, not only with my students but also to share with other teachers.
This week's "newbie" I'm using is http://quizizz.com/. If you have ever used (and loved) KAHOOT, it is much like that. It is a fun quizzing game to be used with your students (or even your family for a little holiday fun!!)
The improved feature of QUIZIzZ, over KAHOOT, is the option to assign it as homework. You do not have to do it in class, as a full class activity.

 I am using my first Quizizz as a game for kids to review who finish their work early.

Much like KAHOOT, there is still a wonderful library of pre-made games, you can either use exactly as they are or edit for a more personalized quiz.

Check it out, either with students or your family!   I know this will be a fun holiday game in our competitive house.

I am an avid Google user.  I can not seem to find a limit to ways Google Forms are used for me personally and professionally.  Their new form is especially friendly, with some nice easy to use changes.

TIES

I am at the Annual TIES conference, an event I find so inspirational and invigorating.  This year I had two goals: I want to begin my first ever blog (check - this is it) and I wanted to also begin to use Twitter better professionally.
So, as I enter the world of blogging, tweeting and hashtag's, here is my first shared resource to help find education resources using Twitter.