---
title: "Notetaking for Trainers: Why Help Trainees Take More Specific Notes?"
description: Delve into focusing on helping CLASS Observation trainees take specific, evidence-based observation notes that align with the CLASS tool.
image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/IMG_9986.jpg
---

[![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/)

- [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/)

- The CLASS Framework
  
    - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
    - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/)
    - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
    - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/)
    - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/)
    - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/)
    - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/)
    - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/)
    - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
  
    - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
      
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
      
          - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
    - Observer Training & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
    - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/)
    - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/)
      
          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
          - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
    - Coach Trainings & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
          - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
          - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
          - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
    - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
      
          - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
          - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
          - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
          - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/)
      
          - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
          - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
          - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
          - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
- Resources
  
    - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
    - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
      
          - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us)
          - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/)
    - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/)
    - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home)
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
  
    - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare)
    - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/)
    - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
    - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
    - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/)
    - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/)
- [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)

- The CLASS Framework
  
    - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/)
    - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/)
    - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/)
    - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/)
    - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/)
    - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/)
    - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/)
    - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/)
    - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/)
- Products and Trainings
  
    - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/)
      
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/)
          - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/)
          - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/)
      
          - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training)
          - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training)
    - Observer Training & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/)
          - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true)
          - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/)
    - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/)
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/)
          - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/)
    - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/)
      
          - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/)
          - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/)
          - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/)
          - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/)
          - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/)
    - Coach Trainings & Certification
      
          - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/)
          - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/)
          - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/)
          - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/)
    - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/)
      
          - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/)
          - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/)
          - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/)
          - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/)
    - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/)
      
          - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/)
          - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/)
          - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/)
          - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/)
          - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/)
          - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/)
- Resources
  
    - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/)
    - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog)
      
          - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us)
          - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/)
    - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/)
    - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home)
- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
  
    - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare)
    - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/)
    - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
    - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
    - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/)
    - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/)
- [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)

- [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/)
- [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
- [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/)

# Notetaking for Trainers: Why Help Trainees Take More Specific Notes?

 September 11 2015 by [Sarah Hadden](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/sarah-hadden)

- [Trainer Tips](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/trainer-tips)

![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_9986.jpg?width=519&height=300&name=IMG_9986.jpg)

**We're happy to share our second post in our series, Notetaking for Trainers. During this series, we'll discuss strategies to help you ensure that your trainees are equipped with the notetaking skills they need to score classrooms reliably. This series is intended for trainers across all age levels. Enjoy!** 

In [our last post](https://info.teachstone.com/affiliateblog/introducing-our-notetaking-for-trainers-series?hsLang=en-us), we talked about initial steps that trainers can take to scaffold their trainees’ notetaking skills and increase the objectivity of their notes. In this post, we are going to delve in a little deeper and focus on helping trainees take specific, evidence-based observational notes that align with the CLASS.

As a trainer, you have probably worked with trainees who write down everything they see, regardless of whether or not it illustrates a CLASS-based interaction. While this is preferable to not writing anything at all, we need to help them focus their lenses so they only write down those things that relate to the CLASS. Not only will that help them when they assign codes, but- as we all know- there is not a lot of space on the score sheet to take notes on things that don’t matter.

One way to support targeted notetaking is to review trainees’ notes with them. Try walking around the room as everyone finishes coding and look over the notes of people who are done. Pointing out phrases and quotes that are good exemplars reinforces trainees’ knowledge and boosts their confidence as they see that their notetaking is on track. It’s also very likely that other observations relate to the CLASS, but belong under a different dimension. Encourage them to use their manuals to identify the correct dimension as a way to shore up their knowledge of the tool. When you see notes about things that are not a part of the CLASS (e.g., the trainee notes under Instructional Learning Formats that “the room is very crowded”), ask the trainee to turn to the dimension face page to see where the observation would fit. It’s far more effective for the trainee to recognize that their observation is misplaced than it is for us to simply tell them. Having them look at the face page also emphasizes the use of the manual. 

The video discussion is another good time to help trainees refine their skills. As trainees share observations, increase their understanding by repeating, reinforcing, and extending their comments. For example, during a discussion about Teacher Sensitivity, a trainee may note that the teacher asked an upset child if the child felt OK. Reinforce the accuracy of this comment by stating, “Yes, she did ask that question. That’s a great example of awareness.” In doing so, you’re validating their observation and taking their knowledge to the next level by assigning it to an indicator.

What does reinforcing specific notetaking have to do with taking evidence-based notes? Everything. When we help trainees understand which observations are linked to the CLASS and where they fit within the tool, we are teaching them to be evidence-based!

[![Join the Facebook CLASS Community](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/336169/fbab0050-262a-453b-ae38-e6a841de4dae.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/336169/fbab0050-262a-453b-ae38-e6a841de4dae)

## Subscribe to the Teachstone Blog

[![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/)

- <https://www.facebook.com/Teachstone>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/company/teachstone/>

- [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) 
    - [About Teachstone®](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/)
    - [Our Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/)
    - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/)
- [Resources](https://teachstone.com/resources/) 
    - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support)
    - [Contact Sales](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us)
    - [InterAct CLASS Summit](https://teachstone.com/interact-class-summit/)
    - [CLASS en español](https://teachstone.com/collecion-de-productos-en-esp/)
    - [CLASS en Français](https://teachstone.com/class-en-francais/)

- [Privacy Policy](https://teachstone.com/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Use](https://teachstone.com/terms-conditions/)
- [Web Accessibility](https://teachstone.com/web-accessibility/)
- [Permissions](https://teachstone.com/permissions/)

© 2026 Teachstone, Inc

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Sarah Hadden",
    "url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/sarah-hadden"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2015-09-11T18:31:18.000Z",
  "headline" : "Notetaking for Trainers: Why Help Trainees Take More Specific Notes?",
  "image" : [ "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/IMG_9986.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/notetaking-for-trainers-why-help-trainees-take-more-specific-notes",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3.png"
    },
    "name" : "Teachstone"
  }
}
```