Annotating Texts and Notetaking Theresa Davis, M.Ed Instructor

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Overview:  Because high school students are told not to write in their textbooks, many of our students are still afraid to write or otherwise mark in their college textbooks. In fact, many school districts charge students a dollar for each marked page! Additionally, students believe the myth that bookstores will not buy back textbooks that have markings in them.

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Of those students who are willing to mark in a text, many immediately think of highlighting as an effective reading tool. While highlighting can be used to improve reading comprehension, students often highlight so much that it becomes impossible to tell what is important, and excessive highlighting doesn't encourage them to interact with the text.

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Using a pen or, better yet, a pencil on the first reading enables students to interact with the text by circling; drawing stars, arrows, and checkmarks; and writing notes and questions in the margins.

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Such notes might entail rephrasing the writer's words, asking questions, and/or defining words when necessary. Annotation is also a way of conversing with a text-- where a student can express criticisms, make observations and connect with their own experiences. Remember, the goal is to get the students to engage in an active reading of the text.

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Afterwards, students can review the annotations to make more comprehensive comments, connective statements, elaborations, and then highlight the specific ideas they want to emphasize

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Our learning goals for this module are:  Students will develop an awareness of how annotating and taking notes can promote strong reading comprehension.  Students will learn application strategies for annotation and notetaking.

Annotating Texts and Notetaking  Why am I doing this, and how will it help me to become a more critical reader?  Students should annotate to increase their focus and comprehension, engage with the material, and self- monitor their learning more effectively. While annotating a text certainly takes more time than not, most students will find the time is well-spent when they recognize, recall, and relate the material with increased ease.

Annotating Texts and Notetaking

 Strategy #2: Annotating  A multi-staged annotation strategy uses annotation symbols, along with pencil underlining and highlighters, to target key concepts and terms. This allows students both to learn as they go and to test their knowledge as they review for exams or create projects related to the reading. It's a good idea to model this strategy early in the semester. Here are instructions you can give to your students: 1. During the first reading: Use pencil only to underline key ideas.  2. After finishing a paragraph or section in a textbook: Review the pencil underlines and then highlight only key ideas and key words. Avoid highlighting more than three to five consecutive words. This helps you isolate major ideas for later review and greater comprehension.  3. When finished highlighting a paragraph: Make annotations in the margin. Consider the purpose of the paragraph. These annotations may include: key ideas to remember, questions, lists, reactions, and notes to think about the content more.  4. After annotating: Finally, transfer your annotations to a Word document or notebook dedicated to the course. This helps consolidate understanding and is a great tool for studying for exams.

Strategy #3: Selective highlighting  1. Use one color to highlight key vocabulary and the corresponding definitions or explanations. Focus on how authors reveal the meaning of new terms within this context.  2. Use different colors to highlight the main ideas and supporting details.  3. Use yet another color to highlight the facts and concepts that support a particular viewpoint.  4. After completing the reading and highlighting, go back and review. Take a few minutes to annotate the text by creating lists, comments, questions. Then take some book notes based on your highlights and annotations to consolidate your learning and as a great review strategy for exams.