6 Best Note Taking Methods

There are several effective methods for taking notes, and the best method for you will depend on your personal preferences and learning style. Some of the most popular methods include:

1. Cornell Method: This method involves dividing a sheet of paper into three sections: a cue column, a note-taking column, and a summary section. The cue column is used to write questions or key words related to the material, the note-taking column is used to write the actual notes, and the summary section is used to write a summary of the notes after the class or study session.
2. Outline Method: This method involves using a hierarchical structure to organize notes. The main idea is written at the top, and sub-ideas are indented and listed underneath. This method helps to organize and prioritize information, making it easier to review and study later.
3. Mind Mapping: This method involves creating a visual representation of the information, with the main idea in the center and related ideas branching out from it. Mind mapping can help to make connections between different pieces of information and can also be a useful tool for brainstorming and problem-solving.
4. Charting Method: This method involves using tables, charts, and diagrams to organize information. It’s particularly useful for organizing numerical data and can help to make complex information more accessible and easy to understand.
5. Audio Recording: This method involves recording lectures or meetings and then listening to the recording later to take notes. This method is particularly useful for students who have difficulty taking notes quickly enough to keep up with the pace of the lecture.
6. Boxing Method

Now, I’ll go into the details about each method.

Cornell Method

The Cornell Method is a note-taking technique that was developed by Dr. Walter Pauk, a professor of education at Cornell University in the 1950s. The method is designed to help students organize and review their notes effectively. It involves dividing a sheet of paper into three sections: a cue column, a note-taking column, and a summary section.

The cue column is used to write questions or key words related to the material, this section is located on the left side of the page and is typically 2.5 inches wide. The note-taking column is used to write the actual notes, this section is located on the right side of the page and is typically 6 inches wide. The summary section is located at the bottom of the page and is used to write a summary of the notes after the class or study session, it’s typically 2 inches wide.

The Cornell Method helps students to organize and review their notes by providing a structure for recording and summarizing information. It encourages students to actively engage with the material by prompting them to ask questions and identify key concepts. It also facilitates the process of reviewing and studying by making it easy to locate specific information and by providing a summary of the main points. The Cornell Method is particularly useful for students who have difficulty organizing and reviewing their notes effectively and who want to improve their study skills.

It’s also important to note that note-taking is not a one-time process, it’s a continuous process of review, refining, and summarizing. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to review and organize your notes regularly to make sure that the information is clear, concise, and easily accessible for later study.

Outline Method

The Outline Method is a note-taking technique that involves using a hierarchical structure to organize notes. It is particularly useful for organizing and summarizing information, making it easy to review and study later.

To use the Outline Method, start by writing the main idea or topic at the top of the page. Then, divide the main idea into subtopics and list them underneath, using bullet points or numbers to indicate the order of importance. Each subtopic can also be broken down into smaller sub-ideas, which are indented and listed underneath.

The Outline Method helps students to organize and review their notes by providing a clear structure for recording and summarizing information. It also helps to identify the main ideas and supporting details, making it easier to study and remember the material. Additionally, it can help to see the relationships between different pieces of information, which can be useful for understanding complex subjects.

It’s important to use abbreviations and symbols that make sense to you, and to keep a key of the symbols used to avoid confusion when reviewing the notes. Also, it’s important to review and organize your notes regularly to make sure that the information is clear, concise, and easily accessible for later study.

Mind Mapping

Mind Mapping is a note-taking technique that involves creating a visual representation of the information, with the main idea in the center and related ideas branching out from it. It is designed to help students make connections between different pieces of information and can also be a useful tool for brainstorming and problem-solving.

To use the Mind Mapping method, start by writing the main idea or topic in the center of a blank sheet of paper. Then, draw branches out from the main idea, and write related ideas or subtopics on the branches. Each subtopic can also be broken down into smaller sub-ideas, which are connected to the subtopic with additional branches.

The Mind Mapping method helps students to organize and review their notes by providing a clear visual representation of the information. It also allows students to see connections between different pieces of information, which can be useful for understanding complex subjects. Additionally, it allows students to organize their thoughts and ideas, making it easier to study and remember the material.

It’s important to use colors, images, and symbols that make sense to you, and to keep a key of the symbols used to avoid confusion when reviewing the notes. Also, it’s important to review and organize your notes regularly to make sure that the information is clear, concise, and easily accessible for later study.

Charting Method

The Charting Method is a note-taking technique that involves using tables, charts, and diagrams to organize information. It is particularly useful for organizing numerical data and can help to make complex information more accessible and easy to understand.

To use the Charting Method, start by identifying the main categories or concepts that you want to organize. Then, create a table, chart, or diagram that clearly displays the information in an organized and easy-to-read format. This can include using rows and columns to display data, creating graphs or charts to display numerical information, or drawing diagrams to show relationships between different concepts.

The Charting Method is particularly useful for students who are studying subjects that involve a lot of numerical data or concepts that are best understood through visual representations. It helps students to organize and review their notes by providing a clear visual representation of the information. This can make it easier to understand and remember the material, especially for students who have difficulty processing large amounts of text-based information.

It’s important to keep a key of the symbols used to avoid confusion when reviewing the notes. Also, it’s important to review and organize your notes regularly to make sure that the information is clear, concise, and easily accessible for later study.

Audio Recording

Audio Recording is a note-taking technique that involves recording lectures or meetings and then listening to the recording later to take notes. This method is particularly useful for students who have difficulty taking notes quickly enough to keep up with the pace of the lecture. It’s also useful for those who want to review the material multiple times to fully grasp the information.

To use the Audio Recording method, you will need a recording device, such as a smartphone or digital voice recorder, and a set of headphones. During the lecture or meeting, make sure that the device is in a good position to pick up the audio clearly. After the lecture or meeting, listen to the recording and take notes on any important information or key points.

The Audio Recording method is particularly useful for students who have difficulty taking notes quickly enough to keep up with the pace of the lecture. It allows students to focus on listening and understanding the material rather than trying to keep up with writing. Additionally, it allows students to review the material multiple times, which can help to improve comprehension and retention of the information.

It’s important to keep a clear recording and to review the notes taken from the recording soon after, this way you can add important information that was missed or to clarify any confusion. Also, it’s important to review and organize your notes regularly to make sure that the information is clear, concise, and easily accessible for later study.

Boxing

Boxing Note Taking is a note-taking technique that involves drawing a box around key words or phrases in the notes. This method is particularly useful for highlighting important information and making it easy to locate later.

To use the Boxing Note Taking method, start by taking notes in your preferred method (e.g., Cornell, Outline, Mind Mapping). As you take notes, look for key words or phrases that are important to the material, and draw a box around them. This can be done with a pen or pencil, or with a highlighting tool.

The Boxing Note Taking method helps students to organize and review their notes by making it easy to locate important information. It also helps to identify the main ideas and supporting details, making it easier to study and remember the material. Additionally, it can help to see the relationships between different pieces of information, which can be useful for understanding complex subjects.

It’s important to use different colors or symbols to distinguish different types of information or concepts, and to keep a key of the symbols used to avoid confusion when reviewing the notes. Also, it’s important to review and organize your notes regularly to make sure that the information is clear, concise, and easily accessible for later study.