Notetaking & Study Skills

There are 5 major methods to students use to take notes. Each method is discussed below.

1. Cornell Method

2. Outlining Method

3. Mapping Method

4. Chartering Method

5. Sentence Method

Cornell Method

Cornell note-taking is a popular note-taking method for taking, organizing, and summarizing notes. This method typically results in better overall comprehension.  Divide the note paper into 3 columns.

1. Most important information in the cue column.  

2. Revision and descriptions in the notes column. 

3. Summarize notes in the summary section. 

Editable Cornell Note Template

(source: Cornell University)

   Outlining Method

There are just 4 simple steps to start writing outline notes: 

1. Write down a main point to the left of the page. 

2. Indent to the right, and note any supporting ideas below it 

3. Whenever you need to elaborate on a point, indent to the right and start adding new points below 

4. Repeat 

In outline notes, supporting ideas are nested under the point it’s related to. You can keep going and create as many layers as you need or want. 

With this layout, you can easily see the hierarchy of ideas, and how information relates to each other.

(source: www.goodnotes.com)

Mapping Method

Mapping is a method that uses comprehension/concentration skills and evolves in a note taking form which relates each fact or idea to every other fact or idea . Mapping is a graphic representation of the content of a lecture . It is a method that maximizes active participation , affords immediate knowledge as to its understanding , and emphasizes critical thinking . 

(source: Framington State University)

Chartering Method

If the lecture format is distinct (such as chronological), you may set up your paper by drawing columns and labeling appropriate headings in a table.

Determine the categories to be covered in lecture. Set up your paper in advance by columns headed by these categories. As you listen to the lecture, record information (words, phrases, main ideas, etc.) into the appropriate category.

Editable Charting Notes Template

(source: University of Tennessee-Chattanooga)

Sentence Method

Write every new thought, fact or topic on a separate line, numbering as you progress.  This method is slightly more organized than the paragraph. Gets more or all of the information.  Thinking to tract content is still limited. The disadvantage of this method is that it can’t determine major/minor points from the numbered sequence. It's also difficult to edit without having to rewrite by clustering points which are related. Difficult to review unless editing cleans up relationship.

(source: University of Tennessee-Chattanooga)

When taking notes, it maybe helpful to use symbols and abbreviations. When you are listening to your teacher and trying to take notes at the same time, it can be a little bit difficult to write quickly enough. Using symbols in your notes will help you write more quickly. Here are some symbols you can use: