Taking Smart Notes

Reading and Study Skills

2004-2005 Course Info

Units for the semester:

Basic comprehension and patternsStudy skillsTest taking

Reading high school textsNote takingTechnical reading: careers

Logic of reasoningCritical reading

Learning stylesReading rate

Teacher’s Schedule

1 / Rdg St Skills / Room 2-110
2 / Prep / 2-110
3 / Rdg St Skills / 2-110
4-8 / District Reading

I am happy to meet with you outside of class. See me to arrange a time.

Course Materials

3-ring binder and loose leaf paper
highlighters & 3/5” notecards
a planner
a book to read for pleasure (and book responses-see below)
You will be responsible for keeping all handouts and notes from this class.

Grading Scale

In this class you will need to achieveA=91-100%C=71-80%

the following percents for grades:B=81-90%D=61-70%

Each grade has a 10 point range on this scale.

Attendance/Participation

I expect you to be in class everyday, unless excused by the office. As we don’t have a take home text, we will do a lot of lecture and class discussion, which is not easily made up. If you must schedule a planned absence, please do not do so during a critical unit such as the fallacies unit.

Participation is essential in this class. If you consistently fail to participate in class, disrupt class, or have a negative attitude you may lose your participation grade points. If you have 3 or more unexcused absences, you may lose the 20% of your grade based on participation. Three unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence. As stated in the handbook, you must make up work when you are unexcused. However, I do not have to give you credit for it.

Late Work

If you are absent the day before a test, you will need to take the test on the day you return (if we have been preparing for several days or weeks and it is on the calendar) If you are absent the day an assignment is due, the assignment is due the day your return.

Work that is late has points reduced as follows:

late 24 hours=10% reduction in points
late 2-5 school days=25% reduction in points
late 6+ school days=75% reduction in points
The late penalties above will not apply if you were out for more than couple of days with an excused illness.
If something happens that will prevents you from completing an assignment or meeting a due date, please see me as soon as possible. I may give you an extension if I agree that your request is valid and the time frame you propose is reasonable. Don’t procrastinate, I won’t give extensions the day the assignment is due.

10 Point Passes

Each student will receive two 10-point passes for the semester. You may use the 10 point pass when you turn in the homework late to get back up to 10 points of the point reduction. They are not accepted if something is due within a week of a major break, such as winter or spring break. If there is another major assignment I choose not to accept a late pass on, I will let you know when I give the assignment. My advice is not to waste late work passes on small assignments or at the beginning of the semester, and if in doubt, ask before it’s due if the late pass applies.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is taking the ideas, concepts, facts, and/or words of another and using them as one’s own. Is considered a form of stealing. Plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class. If you plagiarize on any written assignment, you will earn a grade of 0. Availability of any make-up assignment will be at the teacher’s discretion. If you are offered a chance to make up the work, your maximum score on the new assignment will be 50% of the points possible. (FYI: Most colleges have university-wide plagiarism policies. Consequences range from class failure to expulsion from the university.)

Extra Credit

A student can earn extra credit as described by the teacher. If you have any missing assignments at the end of the quarter, you forfeit all extra credit points.

Book Reports

You will have three (3) book reports due during the semester. Your choice of book is limited only by these three rules: 1) The book may not be a movie; 2) the book may not be one you will receive credit for or have received credit for in another class; and 3) the book must be appropriate in both content and reading level (i.e. no Curious George).

If you have any questions about the appropriateness of a book, please ask!

Due DatesB. Rep. #1 B. Rep. #3

B. Rep. #2

Hall Passes

You will carry your planner as a hall pass. If you need to use the restroom at an appropriate time, date/time a line in the planner and bring it and a pen for me to sign you out with. Otherwise only an administrator/hall monitor or a medical situation may take you from class.

If your parents would like to contact me, they can call the school or email me.

Reading

Process

Pyramid

RSS Handout Packet1

9/26/2004

Unit OrganizerPage 2

Expanded Unit Map

RSS Handout Packet1

9/26/2004

Taking “Smart” Notes

R = Read the

Listen to the .

A = Ask as you read

•What's ?

(Topic/Table of Contents)

•What is the author/lecturer saying

? (MI/FIRES)

P =Put it in your using

T =

SKRAWL2

Subordinate ideas.

Key words only

Record what’s important

Abbreviate

Write legibly

Leave white space

Label your notes

HUG: Marking Your Text

H = Highlight main ideas

•

U = Underline details

•

G = Gloss: write your own words

•

RAPT Notes SheetName:

Subject: DATE: Page:

R = Read the paragraph/Listen to the lecture.

A = Ask questions.

•What's it about? (Topic/Table of Contents)

•What is the author/lecturer saying about the topic? (MI/FIRES)

P =Put it in your own words using SKRAWL2

T = Test yourself

TOPIC/Table of Contents
(What's it about?) / MI/FIRES (Facts, Incidents, Reasons, Examples/Evidence, Statistics)
(What is the author/lecturer saying about the topic?)

Subject: Date: Page:

TOPIC/Table of Contents
(What's it about?) / MI/FIRES (Facts, Incidents, Reasons, Examples/Evidence, Statistics)
(What is the author/lecturer saying about the topic?)

SKRAWL2 Note Taking Scoring Rubric

Name: Semester:Hour:

GRADING CRITERIA  / Date: / Date: / Date: / Date: / Date
Grading Scale:
3 = Excellent
2 = Adequate
1 = Needs Improvement
0 - No Credit / Subject:
# Pages / Subject:
# Pages / Subject:
# Pages / Subject:
# Pages / Subject:
# Pages
Labeled:
•Teacher/Course/Chapter
•Date
•Page #
Format (Identify 1)
•2 column
•HUG
•Map/Graphic Organizer
SKRAWL2
•Subordinated/Indented
•Key Words- Not Sent/Not ¶
•Recorded Imp MI/Fires
•Abbreviate
•Write legibly
•Leave white space

Label your notes

Total / /21 / /21 / /21 / /21 / /21
Teacher Comments  / Student Goal 
1
2
3
4
5

Notes Test RubricName: Hour:

2 Column NotesDate: / HUGDate:
S = Subordinated

Topic in left column
MI/Details in right column
Bullets identify MI/Details
Indenting shows progression of ideas

5 4 3 2 1 0
K = Key words only

No sentences
No ¶s
Words carry concepts

5 4 3 2 1 0
R = Record what’s important

Textbook
1st sentence of ¶s
Intro/summary
Lecture
Repeated
On board/OH
Cue words

5 4 3 2 1 0
A = Abbreviate

Drop vowels
1st few letters
Mnemonic/acronym
Symbols

3 2 1 0
W = Write Legibly

Neat
Organized
Others able to read

3 2 1 0
L1 = Leave white space

Chunk ideas
Readable
Add ideas later

3 2 1 0
L2 = Label your notes

Date
Teacher/Course/Chapter

3 2 1 0
TOTAL: /27 / H = Highlight

Main Idea only
8 lines per page/20% text
Key words only

6 5 4 3 2 1 0
U = Underline

Subtopics
Details
Facts
Incidents
Reasons
Examples/Evidence
Statistics

6 5 4 3 2 1 0
G = Gloss

Summarize text
Mark ideas (Def, Ex, Name, etc.)
Create charts
Text organization

12 10 8 6 4 2 0
TOTAL: /24
LECTUREDate:
Overall

Topic clearly identified
SKRAWL

5 4 3 2 1 0
Subtopics

Clearly identified
Subordinated
Spaced
Accurate

5 4 3 2 1 0
Details

Subordinated
Chunked
Abbreviated
Accurate

5 4 3 2 1 0
TOTAL: / 15

Notes Test Total Score: /66 Points
Time Management: Planner Expectations

Mayo Reading

Name: Date: Hour:

Planning can be divided into several areas, including goal setting, keeping track of grades, and short- and long-term planning. As part of your reading class at Mayo, you will learn the skills that will help you to improve your time management. To that end, the teacher will conduct periodic checks of your planner and point total sheet.

Here are the four areas that the teacher will check:

1.GOAL SETTING

You will set grade goals for each of your classes. Additionally, you will write one goal per week, including these three types:

•academic (I’ll ace the history test this week.)

•personal (I want to make first chair in orchestra, so I’ll practice more.)

•fitness (Bench press 150 pounds within two months)

2.GRADES: Point Total Sheet and Homework Partner Log

You will find a point total sheet and a homework partner log in this section of your handouts. You will use these two documents to keep track of your grades.

3.SHORT-TERM PLANNING

Short-term planning means planning just a day or two ahead. You generally use short-term planning for assignments that are given to you and that are due tomorrow or the day after. This means the assignments take no more than one hour to complete.

For short term planning, you need to record the class, the assignment (book, page numbers) and what your task is (answer questions, do problems, etc.) so that you have a written record of your daily work.

Here's an example:American history, pp. 35-41 - take notes

Algebra II, pp. 135-137 - problems 1-15

Lit of Survival - Never Cry Wolf – read Ch. 1-3

4.LONG-TERM PLANNING/ Month-at-a-Glance

Long-term planning means planning for an assignment that will take multiple hours to complete. A good example is a research paper since you must plan and complete various steps before you have a finished paper.

Here's an example:January 23 - choose topic

January 30 - 6 sources; work cited

February 7 - 25 note cards

February 14 - 50 note cards

February 17 - sentence outline

February 21 - rough draft

February 28 - final draft

Most planners have monthly calendars that allow you to see the whole month at a glance. First, you will fill in the final due date of the entire project. After that you can break the assignment down into intermediate due dates and set short-term goals for each part of the assignment.

Planner Scoring RubricMayo Reading

Name: Hour:

PLANNER GRADING CRITERIA
Grading Scale:
3 = Classes & ActivitiesThorough
2 = All classesGood
1 = Reading class onlyAdequate
0 = Nothing/Obviously unused / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date:
3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1
Courses/Grade Goals:
• Course; Teacher; Grade Goal
Month-at-a-Glance
•Long-term assignments
•Monthly activities
Weekly Calendar:
• Daily HW assignments
• Other daily commitments
Goals: Academic/Personal/
Fitness - Weekly
Appearance
Neat, Legible, and Complete
TOTAL / /21 / /18 / /18 / /18 / /18

You do not automatically earn a 3 for listing all assignments and all activities; your grade will also reflect the quality, neatness, and thoroughness of your planner entries.

Quarter 2/4 – Planner Scoring RubricMayo Reading

Name: Hour:

PLANNER GRADING CRITERIA
Grading Scale:
3 = Classes & ActivitiesThorough
2 = All classesGood
1 = Reading class onlyAdequate
0 = Nothing/Obviously unused / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date: / Planner √
Date:
3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 3 / 2 / 1
Courses/Grade Goals:
• Course; Teacher; Grade Goal
Month-at-a-Glance
•Long-term assignments
•Monthly activities
Weekly Calendar:
• Daily HW assignments
• Other daily commitments
Goals: Academic/Personal/
Fitness - Weekly
Appearance
Neat, Legible, and Complete
TOTAL / /21 / /18 / /18 / /18 / /18

You do not automatically earn a 3 for listing all assignments and all activities; your grade will also reflect the quality, neatness, and thoroughness of your planner entries.

Homework Partner LogTEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More

Your Name: Partner’s Name:

Each week, you will meet with your homework partner to write comments on the assigned topic, set goals, record your current grade, and discuss any missing work. If your partner is absent, ask for your teacher’s signature. A weekly signature is required in order for you to receive credit.

Dates From to Quarter: / Partner/Parent Signatures 
Week of / Goal: / Partner
Grade:
Comments:
Parent
Week of / Goal: / Partner
Grade:
Comments:
Parent
Week of / Goal: / Partner
Grade:
Comments:
Parent
Week of / Goal: / Partner
Grade:
Comments:
Parent
Week of / Goal: / Partner
Grade:
Comments:
Parent

Due:
Homework Partner LogTEAM: Together Everyone Achieves More

Side 2

Your Name: Partner’s Name:

DUE:
HW Partner Point Total Log

Name: Quarter Year:

Partner: Class: Hour:

Date / Assignment Name / Turned
In / Points
Earn/Poss / Running Total / % and
Grade / Weekly Signature
9/9 / EX: Time Finder / √ / 9/10 / 9/10 / 90% B / Parent
9/10 / EX: Lrng Styles Paper / √ / 34/45 / 43/55 / 78% C / HW Part
1 / / / /
2 / / / /
3 / / / /
4 / / / /
5 / / / /
6 / / / /
7 / / / /
8 / / / /
9 / / / /
10 / / / /
11 / / / /
12 / / / /
13 / / / /
14 / / / /
15 / / / /
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17 / / / /
18 / / / /
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20 / / / /
21 / / / /
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25 / / / /

Use your HW Partner time each week to update your grades, get notes or other information from your HW Partner, check with your teacher, schedule appointments for make-up or extra help, etc. When your log is complete, ask for a weekly. Your grade depends on the weekly signatures on this point total log. Your teacher, parent, or homework partner may sign this form to help you earn your HW Partner credit.

HW Partner and Point Total Log Grade: /

HW Partner Point Total Log

Name: Quarter Year:

Partner: Class: Hour:

HW Partner and Point Total Log Grade: /

HW Partners Checklist

Mayo Reading

NAME: PARTNER:

DATE: toHOUR: QTR:

Weekly Discussion Topics and Behaviors
Week 1/2
Grade/%
/ / Week 3/4
Grade/%
/ / Week 5/6
Grade/%
/ / Week 7/8
Grade/%
/ / Week 9/10
Grade/%
/ / MID QUARTER grade:
1. Checked attendance (abs/tdy)
2. Checked & updated planner
3. Checked & updated grades
4. Set week's goals
5. Complimented & encouraged partner
6. Made suggestions for improvement
7. Was honest about need for help
9. Reviewed due dates
10. Gave advice when asked
11. Was patient, friendly, and respectful
12. Kept partner on track, focused
13. Made sure work was turned in
14. Answered questions
15. Was reliable
16. Recommended a visit to the teacher
Recommended Weekly:
Gave homework when s/he was sick
Called, met, or e-mailed for help
Helped with this or other classes
Compared notes for accuracy
Compared notes for completeness
Studied together for test/quiz
Reminded of assignment or test
Helped partner understand
Worked together on assignments
Discussed challenging work
Proofread a paper
Helped partner with written work
Worked on vocabulary
Other

Lifestyle Worksheet

Mayo Reading - Career Unit

NAME: DATE: HOUR:

Please complete the following categories with as much detail as you can.

PARAGRAPH 1 Questions/Notes

What do you hope your family life will be like when you are 30? (Married? Single? # Kids? Location?)

Describe where you expect to be living when you are 30. What type of house/apartment/ townhouse will you have?

Describe the lifestyle you hope to have at age 30.

A. Vacations (camping, cruise, luxury, local, lake home, big game hunting, etc.)

B. Vehicle(s) (car? truck? snowmobile? boat? motorcycle? etc.) Owned or leased?

C. Social Activities (dining out, movies, entertaining, Broadway plays, etc.)

4.Describe the hobbies you hope to pursue at age 30.

A. Year-round

B. Seasonal

PARAGRAPH 2 Questions/Notes

What level of education do you think you need to support this lifestyle? What type of career do you think you will pursue to achieve this level of living?

mncis.intocareers.org Log in is Spartans; Password is GreenandGold

Write the name of your career here: Describe the following aspects of your career:

A. Nature of work

B. Working conditions

C. Employment outlook

D. Training required

E. Earnings

(For this number, you will need your yearly salary. If you find only an hourly rate, multiply that times 2080 as each person works about that number of hours yearly.)

G. Total College Costs (Yearly expenses times the number of years you’ll attend)

H. Paying for Post-Secondary Schooling

% you have saved

% your parents/grandparents will fund

% you will need to pay for with student loans

estimated $ you will need to borrow to pay for schooling

PARAGRAPH 3 Questions/Notes

What school will you attend to train for you career? If you will do an apprenticeship rather than go to school, please see me for information.

Name of school:

Years to complete Program:

Location of school:

A. Admission Requirements

B. Tuition Costs

C. Room and Board Costs

D. Books and Student Fees

E. Financial Aid Available

F. Job Placement Services

G. How will you pay for your education? How much will you owe in student loans after you graduate?

PARAGRAPH 4 Questions/Notes

What courses can you take now to help you achieve your goal? What kind of grades do you need to enter the kind of post-secondary program you are interested in? What tests do you need to take before entering the program? What can you do now to you pay for your education? Is class rank important? What do you think you are doing now that will make you successful in college?