Knowing how to properly take notes will not only help you review your classes and get good grades but will also enable you to save time and effort, avoid stress, and enjoy your whole learning journey. However, like I once did, you might wonder what type of note to use for different situations or lessons. Check out the following article to learn about various note-taking techniques and when to apply them.
Mapping Technique
Are you a visual learner who finds it difficult to study from your notes? If so, I suggest you apply the mapping method. It’s perfect for subjects with related topics. These include history and chemistry, wherein abstract and complex ideas are usually involved.
Organize the page according to the topic. You start with the main topics and then branch them off into subtopics. Every subtopic should have a heading. Then, under each subtopic, you can place more details, such as people, dates, and events. Just continue the pattern. This note-taking allows you to easily build connections between topics or events and remember them.
You can also utilize the mapping method during heavy but organized discussions. Then, you can use it when a guest lecturer is unsure how the lecture will be delivered.
The Cornell Method
This note-taking allows you to systematically organize and review your class notes. You divide the page into three sections. First, allow the narrow column for the “cues.” You will provide the main points, vocabulary words, possible test questions, and prompts here.
Then, reserve the wider column for the actual notes. This is where you will expand your cue points. You can use headings and numbers for better organization. Lastly, place the summary at the bottom part. Emphasize the main points. This has to be brief and simple, as the more detailed part is in the main notes.
Use the Cornell method to quickly locate key concepts and ideas. This method is also right for you if you’re looking for an easier and more efficient way to review. You can use the Cornell method for any lecture situation.
Charting Method
Like the Cornell technique, charting lets you form three columns in your paper. Then, like the mapping technique, charting allows you to see the relationships between topics.
Compared to both the Cornell and mapping techniques, however, charting requires less effort. However, it’s suitable for organizing plenty of facts and emphasizing essential information on different topics. This will come in handy during your review because you won’t have to spend a lot of time editing. Then, you can easily have an overview of the class or the course itself.
In your paper, provide the main topic. Then, label each column with topic #1, topic #2, and topic #3. Under each topic, supply points 1, 2, 3, and more. When there’s a new topic, simply use the row below it and start providing details again.
The Outline Technique
One of the easiest and most common types of note-taking is outlining. To organize the topics, you put headings and bullet points. For every section, begin with headings of the main topics of your lesson. Then, underneath, write the subtopics and then the supporting details. These can be written as key point #1, key point #2, and so on. By using indentions, you can emphasize the relationships between various parts or topics.
This method of note-taking is suitable for organizing your notes from the beginning. It’s also great for seeing the connections between topics and subtopics. The outline method won’t leave you overwhelmed with the discussion too. Then, you can turn the points you’ve provided into several study questions, thus making it easier for you to review.
However, the outline technique isn’t ideal if the lecture is quite fast. This format is the right choice if the discussion is provided in an outline organization. Moreover, use this note-taking method when you have sufficient time to make organizational decisions while listening to the lecture. If your skills in taking notes are already solid, then applying the outline technique for every situation won’t be a problem.
The Sentence Method
This is a simple type of note-taking. Just write down everything your teacher said the best way you can. This method is good for fast-paced discussions with a significant amount of information.
Now, you might not be able to cover all important details, especially if you’re taking notes by hand. The notes will also be hard to edit, so reviewing may be challenging. However, the sentence method gives you the most detailed source that you can use for your review.
It also allows you to quickly cover crucial points from a lecture that’s heavy and delivered fast. For example, the lesson describes revolution as an occurrence that creates an impact on different aspects of one’s life. These include social life, economic life, and more. Hence, revolution is a catalyst of change. When writing your notes with the sentence method, simply say: Revolution – an occurrence that affects different aspects of life (e.g., social, econ, etc.)
Try to be brief by jotting down the most important points. You can also keep your notes more organized by placing headings for every main topic. On your paper, each line will be for a new topic.
Taking Notes on Slides
Are you or your children not a fan of taking comprehensive notes? If so, taking notes on slides will work for you or them. This approach is good for classes with instructors presenting slides during discussions. If they’re generous enough to send you a copy, you can download and print the slides. Then, start taking notes on each slide. If you already have a handout, even better.
One advantage of this type of note-taking is that you no longer have to write general notes. The major points and ideas are already highlighted in the slides. Moreover, they have been explained already. Hence, all you need to do is expand the notes for your own benefit. This also saves you a lot of time during review. However, this method isn’t always available, especially when your teacher doesn’t prepare slides. In this case, you’ll have to utilize other note-taking techniques.
Flow Notes Technique
With this type of note-taking, you won’t have to transcribe everything. You simply work as you are — a student. Write down topics or concepts. Then, use arrows, graphs, diagrams, and doodles. This way, you can make connections between topics and concepts. For pieces of information that let you remember other important and related details, you can also just write down notes.
However, during your review, you might have difficulty understanding the flow notes given the spontaneous graphs and arrows. For better results, consider using one more note-taking method.
Final Thoughts
Whether you aim to quickly pull out key ideas, build relationships between topics, or cover important points during a fast-paced lecture, there’s the right type of note to use for every situation. Start utilizing Cornell, mapping, outlining methods, and more to make your note-taking, review, and educational journey more fun and memorable.
FAQs
What are the four types of notes?
The four major types of notes are:
1. Mind Map Notes
2. Cornell Notes
3. Outline Notes
4. Graphical Notes
What are the 12 basic notes?
All Western music is composed of the 12 notes of the chromatic scale, which are referred to as the “12 fundamental study notes.” A, A#, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, and G# are the notes’ notes’ names. Given that they are musical rather than academic notes, it is doubtful that these particular notes would be used as study notes.
What are the seven notes called?
The seven notes are called the notes of the diatonic scale, which is a seven-note scale that is the basis of most Western music. These notes are named A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. These notes are related to the music industry and not the academic setting.
Sources:
https://uwosh.edu/car/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2018/01/The-Mapping-Method-1.pdf
https://thinkinsights.net/consulting/cornell-method-great-notes/
https://studyright.net/downloads/taking-notes/
https://www.oxfordlearning.com/5-effective-note-taking-methods/
https://www.lifehack.org/856826/note-taking#5-the-sentence-method
https://collegeinfogeek.com/how-to-take-notes-in-college/
https://www.utc.edu/enrollment-management-and-student-affairs/center-for-academic-support-and-advisement/tips-for-academic-success/note-taking