The interactive notebook has been a great teaching tool for me for the last few years. The Interactive Science Notebook (INB) is a learning tool that involves an “input” (right side) of teacher’s notes and handouts. It also include an “output” section (left side) that allows students to creatively relate that information to their own experiences or organize the information in a variety of proven techniques or best practices. The versatility of the interactive notebook is only limited by the student or the teacher, therefore it has no limits. Throughout the year, I will post a variety of engaging examples that I use in my classroom. You will be amazed how the interactive notebook reaches all of the learning styles in your classroom and allows students to personalize their learning. I am currently in the process of gathering, organizing and explaining how I implement the activities I do throughout the year into a book. The left side of the notebook is for graphic organizers, charts, stories, raps, poems, pictures and more. The right side is used for notes and teacher handouts (“input”)
Note: Successfully implementing the Interactive Notebook involves extensive set-up and procedures but the pay-off is worth it.
Set up of the interactive notebook:
I have always through this is a good idea and would love to try a reflective notebook with my classes. I am gradually moving some of them in this direction. I’m looking forward to seeing some examples.
I love this idea! I have been looking for a way to get students to take useful notes without hand feeding them. I want students to become good note takers, and I want them to add to what I provide. This format allows students to have all the material in the same place and add their own input. They are able to organize and summarize at the same time.
I have been looking into Cornell notes for some time, but they seem to lack the designated space for what you term to be “output”. I believe in using graphic organizers, concept maps, and even drawings as often as possible. In some cases this is the only way to explain biology. Thank you for this idea, I will definitely be trying it with my students soon.
I learned of interactive notebooks and C-notes from my AVID training. It was a learning curve for my students but once they mastered the logistics/set up, it was beneficial and proven effective.