P1
EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE
GUIDED NOTE-TAKING
Subject Area(s)
Content Areas: Science, Social Science, etc.
Grade Level(s)
3-12
Brief Summary
Guided note-taking is an outline that lists main ideas, provides designated spaces for students to
follow along, and fill in the notes as written. This strategy can be adapted to be beneficial for all
students.
Expanded Description
Guided note-taking is a strategy the presents an outline from a teacher to their students
while addressing the needs of the students. This strategy can help all students regardless of
subject during a teacher directed activity or lecture. Historically this approach produced greater
gains on tests.
Guided notes first started out in a middle school setting where it worked well. Then
guided notes where adapted for all grade levels from elementary through college level courses.
This strategy was intended to help students with and without disabilities. Guided Notes help
learners follow a lecture, identify its important points, develop a foundation of content to study,
distinguish between main versus secondary points, and examples versus digressions.
Guided Notes provide a handout to students that have spaces available for them to write
down lesson concepts and allows the student opportunities to demonstrate appropriate classroom
behavior. Notes that are reviewed by the teacher can provide positive reinforcement. Guided
Notes can be adapted to any instructional level and altered for students with specific skill
deficits. Guided Notes are inexpensive and efficient. They also allow teachers to exhibit their
own style and are often preferred over “regular” notes by both teachers and students.
Ess ent ial Comp onents/ “How to” Info rmation
Materials Needed:
Paper
Pencil or Computer (based on the student’s individual needs)
Textbook/Readings (if applicable)
Materials for lecture (If necessary)
Powerpoints, Smartboard activities, supplementary handouts
