

Teaching Strategy
Use this teaching strategy to help students learn how to take notes by identifying "key ideas" in one column and their "responses" in another column.
At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- Advisory
- Civics & Citizenship
- English & Language Arts
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12Overview
About This Teaching Strategy
The Two-Column Note-Taking strategy encourages students to identify important information in a lecture, film, or reading and to then respond to this material. You can use this strategy to prepare students to participate in a discussion or begin a writing activity. Having students take two-column notes is also an effective way to help you identify students’ misconceptions and questions about a topic and to evaluate students’ understanding of material.
Lesson Plans
Steps for Implementation
Variations
Example
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Facing History & Ourselves is designed for educators who want to help students explore identity, think critically, grow emotionally, act ethically, and participate in civic life. It’s hard work, so we’ve developed some go-to professional learning opportunities to help you along the way.
Exploring ELA Text Selection with Julia Torres
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Listen to #DisruptTexts founder Julia Torres about taking a critical lens to text selection in ELA classrooms.

Working for Justice, Equity and Civic Agency in Our Schools: A Conversation with Clint Smith
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Issues of equity and education have long existed in our country and continue to manifest today. How can writing and the power of one's voice help us respond to these disparities? Listen to writer and educator, Dr. Clint Smith, where we hear his poetry and reflections on working for justice, equity, and civic agency in our schools.

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—
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