Taking Notes from an oral source: co-teaching lesson in Year 2

Taking notes from an oral source, such as a video, is an essential skill in secondary education. Unlike reading a text, students must listen carefully, identify key ideas in real time, and decide what information is important enough to record. Developing strong note-taking skills from early stages of secondary education prepares our students for exams, presentations, etc.

Effective note-taking from a video involves active listening. Students should focus on main points, supporting details, dates, definitions, and examples rather than trying to write down everything. Using strategies such as bullet points, abbreviations, and headings helps organize information clearly and quickly.

It is also helpful to pause the video (when possible) to review and complete notes. After watching, students should reread their notes, highlight key concepts, and summarize the main ideas in their own words. This process strengthens understanding and improves long-term retention.