Guidelines for Taking Notes:
Our class notes follow the Cornell method — with a few slight changes. First, I encourage you to copy the topic notes on the left side of the page, and leave 1/3 of the page available on the right to add your questions & context. I don’t call that area cues. I call it contextualization. That is because I want you to add extra details that you learn from the reading and videos. This is where you should put any clarification, additional vocab words, or metaphors that help you remember a concept.
Then, complete the vocabulary, essential question, conceptual analysis and multiple choice questions on the back of the sheet.
Each topic deserves it’s own page! Do not try to condense the notes into one single sheet.
Make sure to label your notes clearly at the top of each page.
Your notes are just that–YOUR notes! You are welcome to adjust the style as needed to work for you –as long as all of the components are present.
You must keep your notes all year, as the AP test is cumulative.
I recommend using one of the following:
- A binder with section dividers for each unit
- A 5 subject notebook with additional dividers to keep the units separated
- Multiple composition notebooks (perhaps even 1 for each unit)
- An accordion folder with a separate place for each unit
