$7

weekly

or $40 for all content

Study Smarter, Not Harder: The Self-Paced Guide to Note-Taking Success

New class

Ages 10-16

Self-Paced Course

In this self-paced course, students will master essential note-taking techniques, including Cornell notes, outline notes, and strategies for math and reading. They’ll also learn how to organize, review, use notes as powerful study tools!

Valerie Grant

Average rating:

5.0

Number of reviews:

(13 reviews)

6 pre-recorded lessons

6 weeks of teacher support

Choose your start date

1 year of access to the content

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Go at your own pace

Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Start when you want.

Learn at your own pace

Access course material for a full year.

Get hands-on support from teacher.

About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

6 pre-recorded lessons

6 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Mastery Evaluation

1-2 hours per week. Learners can submit their notes for feedback to the teacher.

Certificate of Completion

Once a learner has completed the course they will recieve a certificate of completion within one week!

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 9

In this self-paced course, learners will master a variety of note-taking techniques, including Cornell notes, mind maps, outline notes, and more. Through pre-recorded lessons, guided exercises, and real-world practice, students will develop strong note-taking skills they can apply to lectures, reading assignments, and test preparation.

What Students Will Learn:

The strengths and best uses of different note-taking methods
How to stay organized, retain key information, and boost comprehension
Practical strategies to turn notes into effective study tools

How This Self-Paced Course Works:

Step-by-step video lessons guide students through each technique
Practice activities allow learners to apply their skills to real lectures and readings
Optional feedback is available for students who want to share their notes for review

By the End of This Course, Students Will Be Able To:

Take clear, organized notes for lectures and reading assignments
Improve comprehension, memory, and study skills
Use their notes effectively for test preparation and academic success

Learning Goals

Master Note-Taking Techniques: Learners will understand and apply various note-taking methods to suit different academic situations.

Organize and Review Notes Effectively: Learners will develop strategies to keep their notes organized and use them as study tools to improve retention.

Syllabus

6 Lessons

over 6 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Kickoff: What to Expect in the Course and All About Cornell Notes

 This first video this week is a welcome to your self-paced course all about note-taking and what to expect. Then we're going to jump right in the second video which is all about Cornell Notes. You'll learn how to take notes in this style and what to do once you've taken the notes.

6 mins of video lessons

Lesson 2:

Organized Thinking: How to Use Outline Notes & Mind Maps

 This week also has two videos. The first video will step you through how to take outline notes. For many learners this will not be new, but more of a refresher of how to effectively take notes in this style. 
The next video is all about how to take what you've taken notes on and turn them into a mind map. You'll learn why this is an important step in your studying process, and how it will help you with memorization.

Lesson 3:

Practice: Taking Notes from Real Lectures

 This week you'll have two videos where you can practice your notetaking with a lecture about jellyfish or a lecture about the 1904 marathon. You can even use both if you're so inclined!
Once you've taken the notes, in your style of choice, you'll need to turn one of them into a mind map. Be creative and see how you can create a mindmap that you'll memorize!

12 mins of video lessons

Lesson 4:

Taking Notes in Math: Strategies that Work

 This week you'll learn how to take notes for math. This is a bit of a different learning style than you've learned already. Once you learn this you can decide what style works best for you!

6 mins of video lessons

Other Details

Learning Needs

As a former special education teacher, I ensure this class is accessible for diverse learning needs by providing visual aids, written resources, and structured strategies to support different learning styles.

Pre-Requisites

None

Supply List

Learners will need paper and a pen or pencil to take notes.

Language of Instruction

English

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Valerie Grant

Joined August, 2024

5.0

13reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

In college, I found myself needing help with note-taking. I took a class focused on effective strategies—capturing key points from lectures, identifying themes, and studying for tests. That class dramatically improved my grades and taught me the importance of strong study skills. It also gave me a solid foundation to teach these skills to others. Combined with my professional expertise, I offer a practical, learner-focused approach to mastering note-taking.

I am a former special education teacher with over 15 years of experience teaching students with diverse learning needs. Throughout my career, I specialized in helping learners develop academic and organizational skills needed to succeed, including note-taking, executive functioning, and study strategies. My teaching experience spans middle and high school, where I have supported students in mastering the skills needed to excel in both academics and life.

This self-paced class is based on my highly-rated live version, which has received excellent feedback from learners and parents. I’ve designed this course to offer the same valuable lessons in a flexible format so that learners can move at their own pace.