In-Class Notes Assignment
You will take handwritten notes for each day of class lecture/discussion and
for the READ|WATCH items assigned as homework.
HOW TO TAKE NOTES IN A SKILLS CLASS
Any writing class, much like math or reading, is a skills class. Instead of learning facts
and dates, you are learning how to do something. As such, taking notes in a skills class
requires you to focus on what to do and how to do it. As we go through the course, this
is at the heart of our study. I expect your notes to become more thorough and
thoughtful as the semester progresses and I will grade more strictly as we move toward
the end.
WHAT AND HOW
As you take notes, focus on what and how. Here are some examples and tips:
Discussion of assignments & writing skills
• What is required
• What key things make it stand out Grammar & Mechanics
• What things are not allowed • Basic rules in your own words
• Due dates • Tests or rules for checking grammar
• Processes and steps • Examples that stand out
Sample Essays Miscellaneous
• Format • Questions you have for me
• Key parts/sections • Ideas that come to you for
• Successful techniques assignments you’re working on
• Specific wording or elements • Things to worry about later so that
required you can focus
• Examples that stand out
Integrate your own style. If drawing lines, arrows, sketches, or other things help you,
then do that.
You may find it useful to use the list under Some Other Ideas About Notetaking (Videos)
"In-Class" column on the schedule as a • Drawing in Class
starting outline for your daily notes, though • Sketch Noting
• How to take Great Notes
you should include any other things
• How to take Notes for Work (A cool idea that could be
discussed as well. modified for class notes.)
• How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods
• 4 Tips for Active Listening | Jim Kwik
HOMEWORK READ\WATCH NOTES REQUIREMENTS
For Instructional Readings (Writing Guides, Textbook Sections, etc.), include at
least one quote from each reading about writing. Here are some possibilities:
• Something you liked or found helpful
• Something you didn't know before
• Something you're not sure about or have a question about
Label each quote clearly with the source and explain briefly why you chose it.
For Student Sample Essays include a brief response noting:
• Something you liked about the essay
• Something you didn't like or that didn't work for you
• Something that stood out to you as it relates to the assignment or the topic
you're working on
GRADING & ATTENDANCE
Daily Stamping System
At the end of each class period, I will stamp your notes with my Ninja stamp. This stamp
serves as both your participation record and verification for the timeliness of your notes
If you are in class but do not have notes to stamp, you will lose participation
points.
WHEN YOU MISS CLASS
• Watch the class recording from the YouTube playlist (link on your schedule)
• Take notes on the recording
• Bring those notes to the next class for stamping
• Late points will apply, but you still get credit. Refer to the syllabus for how long I
take late work and how many points are deducted.
• Clearly mark notes as "makeup notes" so I can apply appropriate grading
UNIT COLLECTIONS
• At the end of each unit, notebooks will be collected and graded
• I will review all stamped notes plus reading notes for that unit
• This will count toward both your coursework and participation grades
GRADING STANDARDS
Your notes will be graded on:
• Capturing major points and details for each day
• Including required quotes from instructional readings
• Including thoughtful responses to sample essays
• Asking questions and showing intellectual engagement with the material
• Consistent completion and organization throughout each unit
CSD NOTE TAKING
If you qualify for a note-taker through CSD, you need to:
• Take what notes you can during class/class videos and as you read.
• Highlight or annotate the notes from the CSD notetaker.
• Your annotations should show you've thought about the significant points and
added your own thoughts, ideas, or observations.
Discuss this accommodation with me. If you don't take time to talk with me about this, I
won't make any modifications. It's your responsibility to communicate with me.
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY
You can earn up to 10 extra credit points for exceptional note-taking that goes
beyond the minimum requirements.
IMPORTANT
Organized, clearly labeled notes are required. I will not grade unorganized and/or
unlabeled notes.
