By Kelly O'Brien, NFF Center for Youth Development Through Sport, Springfield College
When you step on the practice field, you are expected to be an active participant. You have to listen to instructions, take part in drills, and learn new techniques and strategies. Each time you enter the classroom, you need to be active learner. If you are active and involved, then your performance is likely to improve. One strategy to help you remain engaged during class is note taking. Note taking keeps you focused on what the teacher is saying and often helps the time pass quicker than if you do nothing at all.
Similar to football practice, you must come to class prepared to learn! Below are some tips to make sure you are ready to take notes!
Read the material PRIOR to class. This will allow you to take part in class discussions and also help you make connections between the lecture and the text.
Review previous notes. This gets your mind on the task or subject at hand. It will jog your memory and also gives you a chance to prepare questions if there is information that is unclear to you.
Arrive early! Give yourself enough time to get to class, open your notebook, find a pen, and get comfortable rather than arriving late or at the bell. If possible, sit in the front of the class, rather than the back, where you are more likely not to pay close attention. Once you are prepared, you need to find an appropriate strategy that will help you take effective notes. Many students become overwhelmed because they think they have to write down everything that is said in class. This is not the case. It can be difficult to recognize what information you need to write down, however the "cues" below will help you become a more skilled note-taker.
Lists: When a teacher says, "There were three important factors leading to the Civil War," or "There are four main stages of photosynthesis," you should write down the ideas that follow. Be sure to also include the number and an explanation of each factor, stage, idea, or characteristic.
Cause/effect: Subjects such as history and science often involve cause/effect topics. It is important to indicate the relationship in your notes. For example, what were the effects of World War II (cause) on the economy and industry in the United States?
Definitions: These are easier to identify. A teacher may write the key term on the board or begin by saying, "Values are defined as" or "The definition for miosis is" Be sure to also include any examples that might follow the definition.
Voice or volume change: If a teacher wants to place emphasis on an important point, they will often speak louder and slower. Therefore, it is helpful to learn to listen for changes in their tone of voice.
With practice, these "cues" will help you develop your own note-taking strategy.
Simply taking notes in class is not enough to perform well on exams. You must review them on a regular basis, either at night, in between classes, or on the bus. When time permits, it is also helpful to rewrite your notes. Sometimes students write things down too quickly during class and they need to be rewritten in a clear, organized fashion. If you find that you are missing information, refer to your textbook or ask your teacher. Remember, note taking is a great way to stay engaged in class. Developing a good strategy will keep you prepared for any exam or quiz that might "pop" up unexpectedly.
Information adapted from: Nist, S.L. & Holschuh, J. (2000). Active learning: Strategies for college success. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
This information was taken from the NFL/NFF Coaching Academy program that was designed under the leadership of Dr. Dan Gould at the University of North Carolina Greensboro and Dr. Steve Danish at Virginia Commonwealth University. The program is designed to further educate youth and high school coaches in not only the areas of football skills and strategy but also the game's character building and social benefits.
Whether it's a strategy for keeping a team academically eligible, the development of a life skills curriculum for a coaching clinic, or the latest research on sports in society, the NFF Center for Youth Development through Sport at Springfield College in Massachusetts has the answers. While supporting Play It Smart remains the primary focus of the staff's attention, the NFF Center is quickly becoming a source of information on using sport to develop the qualities of leadership and academic excellence in America's young people.
For more information about the NFF Center, click here.
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