Hello! I know many of you out there use the Interactive Notebook strategy ala History Alive. Has anyone come up with any improvements, modifications, or changes in the way they use their interactive notebooks? Share!
I plan on using ISN's next year for whatever classes I teach (hopefully math and science). I have done tons of research on ISN's. This is the best website I've seen: http://www.nonags.org/members/dasaunders/index2.html He has lots of ideas and examples of ISN's. If any of you guys have any ideas on using ISN's for math it would greatly be appreciated.
I've heard of this approach but never seen it in action. I am intrigued. But it seems complicated -- how do you introduce the system to your students?
I introduce it at the beginning of the year with examples of previous years notebooks and a powerpoint. We then number all of the pages and glue in my syllabus, the notebook guidelines, and instructions for common assignments. Useful links for implementing interactive notebooks: This site has many different note-taking formats and some different graphic organizers. English Companion http://www.englishcompanion.com/Tools/notemaking.html This is an amazing site - wonderful description of notebooks, great ideas/handouts for right hand assignments, as well as a myriad of other strategies! Notebook Site http://www.hse.k12.in.us/staff/mfassold/teachers.htm#Interactive Notebook This site has a wealth of graphic organizers, perfect for left or right hand assignments! Education Oasis http://www.educationoasis.com/curriculum/graphic_organizers.htm
I have used the Interactive Notebooks in the past, now I still use many of the activites and stratigies, but instead organize the assignments by unit. It is easier for me to grade and the students to study. A 7th grade teacher in my department is using the ISN but instead of using a spiral bound notebok she is having them use a binder with sheet protectors. It seems like a good idea because even though sheet protectors are expensive, so are the scissors and glue/rubber cement they would usually need.
I use composition books, not spiral bound, because they hold up better and are easier to store. Brendon, when you say that you organize the assignments by unit, I'm not sure I understand. Could you explain that for me? Thanks!
ancientcivteacher: You have a wonderful website. (I also love your colors). I put yours (I hope you don't mind) and many of the other sites on a wiki just to keep all of them together for reference. I kept finding myself looking through a lot of threads to find what I was looking for, and this seemed like an easier solution. http://interactive-notebooks.wikispaces.com/ It does NOT take the place of these great discussions, however.
Basically I use the interactive notebook type assignments, but not the way they organize it (I do not use the left/right thing). Page one in binders is a binder cover sheet, page two is the class information unit cover (colored and in a sheet protector), page three is the class information table of contents, and then pages 4-8 are class information pages, page 9 is the greece and rome cover (once again colored and in a sheet protector), page 10 is the greece and rome table of conents, followed by all interatice notebook type assignments, notes, homework, classwork, essays, project rubrics, quizzes, tests, readings, and any other pages having to do with that unit! Get it?
Thanks for the 'splaining ! All of my stuff is together that way as well, we're just gluing in fools. I really like my composition notebooks because everything is sequential and the pages don't tear out. However, I have a notebook buddy who swears by her binders too. I think the best thing about this strategy is how adaptable it is!!!!
I agree. I think I rework it a little every year. As long as the components are there, we should be able to use them anyway that works in your situation.
