How Sketchnotes Can Inspire Your Students

Keeping your students engaged in the classroom all year long can be a challenge. The first few weeks of a semester, everyone is settling in and getting the swing of thing. After a few months in, participation and grades can drop, and excitement in the classroom can almost disappear.

Creating an environment that captures the attention of your students does not have to be as complicated. Through sketchnotes, you can refresh students’ minds and captivate them again!

Here are ways that sketchnotes can inspire your students:

It gives them a fresh way of notetaking. – You may have students that stick behind laptop screens or have notebook pages with scribbles all over. Have them put those materials aside and provide the perfect materials to introduce sketchnotes. Use budget-friendly computer paper and bring out the markers to bring some color into your lessons. *Quick note: When first introducing sketchnotes to your students, make sure the lesson you are covering that day is on the simpler side. You want to set them up for success by providing an “easy to follow” topic to start.
You can help them show off their creative side. – Using this new way of note-taking, students can show off their creativity. Let them also have fun through their color choices and doodles. This process will help students see another side of their studies.
Visual learning can increase their retention of information. – Our brains love visuals. Studies show that 90% of the information transmitted to our minds is visual, so utilizing a platform that can help with students understanding of materials is always a plus. Learn more about why our brain loves visuals here!
Encourage the class to share their creations. – At the end of your lecture, ask each student to stand up and provide a short presentation of what they created. Let them walk you and their classmates through their color choices, the images or icons they drew and what they loved about the processes. It can also inspire for the next time!

Get your supplies ready and have fun with your students through sketchnotes! Need more tips? Download our FREE Visual Note-Taking Tip Sheet.

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Lisa

Visual Thinker | Graphic Recorder | Sketchnote Artist at See In Colors

Lisa Nelson loves combining art with life. She is the Founder and Chief Visual Strategist of See In Colors where she leads a team that designs, facilitates, and captures conversations with hand-drawn pictures. By blending the power of visuals, communication and project management, Lisa helps organization have impact for social change. See In Colors is based in the Washington, D.C. area and serves clients world-wide.