5. To what extent has research shown Guided Notes to be useful?
Research has shown that students miss 50% or more of the main ideas presented during lectures, and that students who record and review personal lecture notes score higher on tests than do students who only listen to the lecture. Guided notes have been found to be superior to the traditional procedure of having students take their own notes during whole class lectures. They aid in retention, can be used across a variety of subject areas, serve to signal the main points of the chapter or topic, and can increase students’ opportunities to respond. Furthermore, the use of guided notes results in improvements in students' levels of active participation and achievement in class. They are particularly beneficial for students with learning disabilities who might lack the listening, comprehension, motor, or attention skills necessary for notetaking.