The Top Four Note-Taking Methods for Students
When we are learning in class, one of the first things we always think to do, and are naturally told to do, is to take notes.
On the surface, making notes seems easy - write down what the teacher says, and it's as simple as that. But, have you ever found that when you look back over your notes, you can't really remember why you wrote something down, or why something was important?
So many students will make notes without really knowing how to make the notes that are right for them and their learning style.
There is so much more to note-taking than what meets the eye. There are so many different methods out there that you can choose from to help you study smarter, not longer, and make the most out of your lessons! Need help finding your own methods? Enquire about our academic consultations!
So, how do most students make notes?
When told to make notes, students tend to generally fall into two categories: what I like to call the 'Key-Worders' and the 'Word-for-Worders'.
The 'Word-for-Worders'
If you're a 'word-for-worder', it may be that you want to note down absolutely everything that the teacher is saying, to make sure you don't forget anything! By trying to write down everything word-for-word, it can be easy to feel like you are falling behind or that you have missed some vital pieces of information.
I definitely used to be a 'word-for-worder', but this meant that, by trying to write down everything I learnt in lessons, I inevitably missed out on other pieces of key information too, because I was constantly catching up! We cannot write as quickly as we can talk!
The 'Key-Worders'
On the other hand, if you are a 'key-worder', you might be the type to rely on lesson resources, writing a few words here and there that you think are most important. Or, in trying to take notes smartly, you only note down a few key words. As a result, when revising, you might see some key words scattered around, and wonder why they are there, or what the process or information is behind them.
We're not really taught how to take notes in school, so when we are told just to take notes, it can result in either of these outcomes, which in the long-term, are not as helpful or useful as they can be.
Study smarter. Use a specific note-taking method.
These following 4 methods are great ways to take notes. They will help you with the 4 Tutti Study Pillars: Organise, Prioritise, Visualise, Memorise. Choosing a particular note-taking method will mean that you will be studying consistently and smartly so that you have the best chance of achieving those top grades!
1. The Outline Method
The outline method is one of the easiest and simplest ways of taking notes. It helps keep your notes organised, and you can even convert the sub-points into revision questions later!
Select your main topics to write as headings.
Underneath these headings, write some in-depth sub-points in the form of bullet points.
This method can help you break down your notes into clear and simple chunks.
2. The Cornell Method
Developed by Cornell University, this method is the most common form of note-taking, because it is a really effective way of organising, categorising and summarising very detailed notes.
The page is broken into 3 sections:
Cues or prompts: This is for keywords, example questions and prompts to help you remember central ideas.
A wide column for main notes: This wide column is where you make your actual notes. You can write these how you like (e.g. in bullets, abbreviations, or diagrams!)
A summary section at the bottom: This is a summary of the main points on the page.
3. Mind Mapping Method
This is a great method if you prefer to learn visually through colours, pictures or diagrams! It is very effective for subjects that have a lot of connected topics, and complex or abstract ideas.
Write a central topic in the centre
From this central idea, branch off some general categories to organise your notes
Subcategories can branch off these general bubbles, such as dates, quotes, facts or concepts.
I often find that colour coordinating each category can help differentiate topics if the mind map gets a little full!
4. Charting method
This is similar to the mind mapping method because it can help you visualise and categorise your notes into sections.
Charting can also help you to see the connections between your topics in one place.
If you are a visual learner, but you prefer more 'orderly' notes than a free-flowing mind map, then the charting method is a good one to use.
In the first column of the table, write the key topics, ideas or sections as headings.
In the rows, you can break down your information according to the headings.
Keep your table concise by using bullet points, or listing particular keywords.
Use highlighters or colours to help differentiate each category
Tutti is always here to help you find the right pathway for your learning. If you have any questions, or would like some guidance on some of the methods I have mentioned in this blog, pop me a message or get in touch!