Dr. Don Allen - Teaching Note Taking

Dr. Don Allen is an educator and administrator known for his work in curriculum development and instruction. In secondary education, his frameworks emphasize building strong study skills, time management, and systematic note-taking for high schoolers (Grades 9–12) to transition successfully into higher education and career paths.

When implementing targeted note-taking instruction for grades 9 through 12, the focus shifts from simple compliance (copying words from the board) to active cognitive processing.

Core Note-Taking Methodologies for Grades 9–12

High school curriculum requirements demand that students choose a system matching the structure of their subject matter:

The Cornell Method: The gold standard for high school lectures and dual-enrollment prep. Students split the page into a note-taking column, a left-hand "cue" or question column, and a bottom summary block.

The Outlining Method: Best for highly structured, linear subjects (e.g., History or Literature). It teaches students hierarchy using indentations and bullet points to group main ideas and supporting details.

The Mapping Method: A visual approach using mind maps and webs. Ideal for tracking abstract concepts, science processes, or literature plot maps.

The Charting Method: A matrix layout useful for tracking columns of data, chronological histories, or comparative analyses (e.g., comparing chemistry elements or economic systems).

The "5 R's" of Active Note-Taking

To maximize retention, students in this grade band are encouraged to practice a systematic lifecycle with their notes:

Record: Write down meaningful facts and main ideas during the lecture using phrases and shorthand instead of full dictation.

Reduce: Summarize facts into key keywords or cue questions in the margins immediately after class.

Recite: Cover the note section and look only at the cue words, then state the facts aloud in your own words to check understanding.

Reflect: Draw conclusions, form opinions, and integrate the new data with existing knowledge.

Review: Spend 10–15 minutes weekly reviewing older notes using active recall techniques to prevent memory decay.

Paper vs. Digital Habits

While digital note-taking is prevalent in modern high schools, educational research continuously shows that handwritten notes outperform typed notes for long-term conceptual retention. Handwriting forces the brain to actively synthesize and summarize information in real time because humans cannot write as fast as they speak.

Are you looking for curriculum materials, specific worksheets, or a rubric to help teach these note-taking habits to a high school class? Contact Dr. Don Allen via email at dwradon@gmail.com