The Impact of Required Class Notes on Post-Lecture, In-Class Quiz Scores

Authors

  • Natalie R. Andzik Northern Illinois University Author
  • Stephanie N. DeSpain Northern Illinois University Author
  • David A. Walker Northern Illinois University Author

Keywords:

notes, higher education, student engagement, quiz scores

Abstract

Professors in a university setting questioned whether requiring students to take in-class notes for points toward their final grade would affect students’ quiz scores post-lecture. Students were assigned to one of two conditions: no-notes-required control and required note-taking experimental. A mixed-design analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test mean differences among groups in quiz scores over time. Across the 106 student participants, those in the experimental condition scored better on post-lecture quizzes than those in the control condition. Students who were not required to take notes indicated that they might voluntarily take notes regardless of the expectation in class, and “somewhat agreed” that they would take better notes if they were being graded for it.

Published

2024-04-23