Note taking habits of middle school students: A mixed methods research

Note-taking is a very important learning strategy that ensures the retention of information. The use of this strategy is necessary for students to learn and remember information permanently. In this study, which is a mixed research, data were collected in quantitative and qualitative dimensions. In the quantitative dimension of the study, a questionnaire on note-taking habits of middle school students was applied, and in the qualitative dimension, note-taking activities in Turkish textbooks were examined and Turkish teachers were interviewed. In order to determine the note-taking habits of middle school students and to associate these habits with gender and grade level, a Note-Taking Habits Questionnaire prepared by the researcher was applied to 280 middle school students. The data obtained with this questionnaire were subjected to frequency, percentage and chi-square analysis and interpreted. Note-taking activities in Turkish textbooks were examined through document analysis and evaluated through descriptive analysis. Finally, a semi-structured teacher interview form consisting of 7 questions was applied to determine the opinions and practices of 15 Turkish teachers about note-taking. The data obtained from this interview were subjected to content analysis and interpreted. As a result, it was seen that the majority of middle school students developed incorrect note-taking habits. In addition, it was determined that the activities in the Turkish textbooks were not aimed at gaining the right habits and Turkish teachers did not have students practice note-taking habits. Keywords: Note-taking, habit, note-taking habit, Turkish textbook, activity