Note Taking

Taking notes in Renfrewshire Schools                   

In class support for children with a hearing impairment may include taking notes.  This support can be beneficial for pupils who find it challenging to listen for a whole period especially when the lesson has a lot of language input, such as English, social subjects, theory in PE.  The support will take into account the pupil’s opinion as some young people find it embarrassing to have an additional teacher in the class.  At present, alternative ways to support these pupils is being investigated (see below)

The notes are handwritten or typed and the pupil will have access in class to them for:

  • aiding listening and lip reading
  • helping with recall
  • helping with new vocabulary and learning outcomes
  • reducing pressure of taking their own notes whilst listening

When the notes are made using a word processor, the ToD will print them out or send them to the pupil by email.  These can be used during tutorials as part of reinforcement lesson.  The class teacher may want a copy of the notes and this can be easily arranged.

The ToD will note the key learning outcomes and vocabulary and take into account the pupil’s reading ability.

At present, Renfrewshire’s Sensory Service is looking into new ways of note taking, in particular:

  • Remote note taking, when the ToD does not sit next to the pupil.  The pupil can read the notes on a device such as a tablet.
  • Talk to text apps such as Live Transcribe

Further information on note taking:

SSC webinar

Talk to Text software