Effective note taking is the skill of organising and capturing information in a structured format. It depends completely on your learning style, some people prefer written notes and structured outlines while others prefer visuals or graphs. Here are 9 methods which can help you in mastering the art of note taking.
1. The Cornell Method
This method was designed by Cornell Professor Pauk to help his students.
In this method you divide your page into three sections- 2 equal vertical columns and
the lower one-third to one-quarter of the page divided from the columns, creating an upside-down T on the page. Use the left column to cue keywords or ideas and the right side for expanded notes. Summarize the material in the space at the bottom of the page
Pros: Encouraging to review notes, best for organised notes and summaries.
Cons: Ignores heavy topics, have to take notes immediately after lectures.
Best for: Reviewing and summarizing information, self-testing, and organized study sessions.
2. The Outline Method
This method is one of the simplest and most intuitive methods. You start hierarchically with the main topic on the left and then subtopics on the right. Subtopics are expanded as bullet points supported by your notes, facts or any doubts you might have.
Pros: Easily understandable clean notes, easy to draw connections.
Cons: Complexity in drawing graphs, might get confusing with a lot of points.
Best for: Lectures, meetings, or readings with clear structures and lots of information.
3. The Mapping (Mind Map) Method
The main topic is written in the centre, usually in a circle or any shape. Create branches for various subtopics and then add bullet points under each topic accordingly. It then looks like a map where all the basic ideas and the crux of the matter is covered.
Pros: Deep learning, best for visual learners
Cons: Fails to cover complexity and details, Notes acn look confusing.
Best for: Visual learners, creative projects, and subjects where relationships between ideas matter.
4. The Sentence Method
Write every new thought, fact, or topic on a separate line, numbering each sentence. This method is simple and fast, ideal for capturing information quickly without worrying about structure. Each new idea is written separately as a sentence.
Pros: Converting notes, keeping track of ideas.
Cons: No visuals or graphs.
Best for: Fast-paced lectures or meetings where information comes rapidly.
5. The Flow-Based Method
This method lets you take notes in a more organic free form. Write down notes as they come to your mind. First start with a main idea and then jot down sub ideas as you proceed.
Pros: Encourages creative thinking and is adaptable.
Cons: Might start diverting from the main idea.
Best for: Conceptual subjects, active engagement, and when you want to focus on understanding rather than memorization.
6. The T-Notes Method
Divide your page with a large “T.” Use the left side for main ideas or questions and the right side for details or answers. This method is simple and helps separate key points from supporting information.
Pros: Makes it easy to review main points and ideas together.
Cons: Hard for subjects where there is no clear relation.
Best for: Math problems, science experiments, or any topic that benefits from a question/answer format.
7. The Box and Bullet Method
Draw boxes for main ideas and use bullet points underneath to list supporting details. This method provides a clear visual hierarchy and keeps notes neat and easy to scan. You write your main ideas in boxes as titles and then expand the sub headings.
Pros: Useful for meetings, clearly organised ideas.
Cons: Ineffective for visual learners.
Best for: Summarizing readings, meetings, or lectures with distinct sections.
8. The Rapid Logging Method
Popularized by the Bullet Journal system, this method uses short phrases, symbols, and bullets to capture tasks, ideas, and notes quickly. Write down information as concise sentences or phrases.Use symbols (e.g., bullets, asterisks) to categorize information. Feel free to add to-do items or reminders alongside your notes.
Pros: It’s highly flexible and integrates note-taking with task management.
Cons: Might get confusing to decode certain phrases or symbols.
Best for: Busy professionals, multitaskers, and those who want to combine notes and to-do lists.
9. The Voice Recording Method
Instead of writing, use a voice recorder to capture lectures, meetings, or ideas. Later, you can transcribe or summarize the most important points.
Pros: Great for auditory learners, easy to retain.
Cons: Unclear recording might be hard to comprehend, unsuitable for complex tasks.
Best for: Auditory learners, situations where writing isn’t possible, or when you want to capture every detail.
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