1. Note taking in AP Government
What to expect this year…

2. Importance of Notes
Your lectures notes are a vital component of the course.
Over 90% of the material present in your classroom summative assessments are based on the concepts found in your chapter/unit notes
However, tests will require application of concepts and other forms of higher order thinking
Definitions will not cut it

3. Problem…
Writing down and introducing all of the notes in class can be a time consuming activity
Students can get bored easily with lecture
Time could be spent on other student led activities
However, lecture (with dynamic components) is still important
How to balance this out…??

4. Solution
1-2 days before the beginning of a chapter their notes will be posted on the iBlog (preferred) or Google Classroom
*Requirement* Students have 3 options to choose from…
Formative points will be assessed via announced/unannounced notebook checks
1 of these options must be completed by the start of the chapter. I will likely lecture that day

5. Option 1 Print out on your own a physical copy of the notes
Utilize school library or reliable printer at home
You MUST select 3 slides per handout/page
In the printed lined margins you must provide at least 1 comment or question per slide that demonstrates authentic engagement with the topic
Example stem: I wonder… I connection I made… Does this mean…?

6. Black/white is probably better

7. Option 2
Neatly write out the lectures notes outside of class time on lined paper/notebook. I will also accept typed with annotations. For now…
Highlight/underline important concepts, continue while I lecture as well
This is the more time consuming option, so I will allow you to shorten words/phrases to an acceptable level

8. Option 3
Write out flash cards on your own 3x5 cards that demonstrate an understanding of all chapter vocabulary
Double check that you have everything
It is also a good idea to write out words that may not necessarily be vocab but appear to be important for overall understanding
No Quizlet or digital forms accepted. Sorry! Maybe for exam reviews later on.

9. Final Points…
Completing 1 of these options will ensure that lecture moves at a more brisk and engaging pace
Videos / Talk & Turn will also help
Thus, note taking should be completed BEFORE I provide lecture
These assignments should be placed in the “notes” section of your binder
More opportunities to ask more questions and engage in learning…