http://www.magnapubs.com/issues/magnapubs_ff/5_27/news/601920-1.html?type=pf
The above discussion presents a conclusion on providing notes for students
that you may find interesting. We have discussed in faculty meetings
the merits of providing student notes vs. making students take their
own notes.
Not surprisingly, research shows that the most effective answer is somewhere in the middle.
It also shows that providing notes for students doesn’t necessarily decrease class attendance, either.
Enjoy reading.
Feel free to comment below.
I am glad to find a study verifying what we are finding in our classes. I have found that many students do not take notes at all if they expect them to be posted. I also remember my frustration about being “read to” by professors.
I believe that our strict attendance policy has more to do with our numbers than the posting of notes.
I have found that students often need the structure to start with. (Keep in mind, I teach a fair number of freshmen).
I also believe that it is important to put a fair amount of the responsibility on the students. I post many things like assignments and lecture “outlines” (usually with blanks) on the portal simply to get freshmen used to using it.
The disciplinary side of me questions things like posting notes and providing study guides, (tools which most of us did not have as students), but the practical side agrees that this partial note system is a good way to bridge the gap. Many of our students really have no idea where to start, and this can help. I believe that ‘where there is a will, there is an “A”.’ This method is a help to the most willing.
mbw
I agree with Ben that the attendance policy is really separate from the issue of providing notes. I think providing notes, which I do not consciously do, is in essence an extension of providing lecture slides and such. This is the first year I have provided church history slides ahead of class. Some just sit there and listen (I used to learn a lot that way so I can’t complain), but most of the more serious students also take notes to add to the lectures rather than being content with them. Some do take notes as if they did not have access to the slides.
C J Dull