CMS - 5 Phases of Focused Note-Taking

The Five Phases of

Focused Note-Taking

Phase 1 – Taking Notes

• Establish a purpose and objective for note-taking.
• Write an Essential Question to guide the note-taking.
• Select the best format for the notes.
• Learn to use a variety of formats for different purposes.
• Write notes based on source(s).
• Select, paraphrase, and arrange the information thoughtfully.

Phase 2 – Processing Notes

Phase 3 – Connecting Thinking

• Think beyond the notes.
• Analyze the notes using inquiry to make connections.
• Deepen content knowledge by asking questions.
• Add your own thinking to create greater understanding, identify gaps, and connect your new learning to what you already know.

Phase 4 – Summarizing and Reflecting on Learning

Reflect.

• How will this be useful?
• Consider how the learning helps you meet the note-taking objective.
• Plan where you go from here.

Summarize.

• What have I learned?
• Capture the most important aspects of your notes.
• Answer the Essential Question.

Phase 5 – Applying Learning

• Use the notes for their intended purpose.
• Demonstrate what you’ve learned or apply it to a new situation.