Research has shown that information that is organized can be more easily processed and learned. There are several ways in which information can be organized. Your student may find that they prefer one method over another or that a specific method works better for certain content. Helping your student find the methods that they are comfortable with will help them become better learners.
Taking Notes
There are two main types of note-taking methods that will be discussed here. Both concentrate on differentiating between main ideas and details of a given topic. Your student will need to decide with which one they feel the most comfortable.
1st Style: Two-Column Notes
One advantage to 2-column notes is that there is a clear separation between the main ideas and details. If a student folds down the line, they have a very convenient way to study the material.
2nd Style: Power Notes
1. Topic
2. Main Ideas
3. Details
2. Questions
3. Answers
Graphic Organizers
Graphic organizers allow a student to see the relationship between the ideas being presented.
Venn Diagrams
Venn Diagrams are a great tool for comparing two concepts. They can be used in a variety of different situations in which a student is trying to discover how 2 things are alike or different.
Concept Maps
This is a type of organizer that “maps” the information over a given topic. It starts with the main idea, branches out to sub-topics, and then branches out to more specific ideas. This type of organizer can very easily be transferred into 2-column or power notes.
Content Frame
Content Frames are a useful way of organizing information about several categories that have similar characteristics. The categories are usually listed down the left side of the frame and the categories along the top. The students then fill in the details in each box.
