One of the most essential skills in college is note taking. While there are many different methods, the most successful students tend to combine different approaches that best fit their approach to learning. When most of us picture note taking, we see it in a classroom lecture setting. Taking notes can be as helpful when reading a textbook or journal article as well being a great way to chart your way through writing a report or giving a presentation. Let's focus on a few of the methods of note taking.
To refer to this guide on the web got to: https://libguides.ccga.edu/NoteTaking
Write headings on the left side. Headings indicate the start of a new topic or idea. For example, we might call this part of the outline 'Note Taking".
Write subheadings indented to the right of the heading. Subheadings are an idea or topic that falls under the main topic. For example, the Outline Method is one of five sections in this presentation. The other subheadings are the Cornell Method, the Matrix Method and Concept Mapping.
Indent to the right of the subheading to add points. Points are thoughts or facts that support the subheading.
Indent again to the right of the points to create Sub-points. These are additional details that are helpful in understanding the point that you have added to your notes.
Create new headings for different topics or new subheadings for ideas that relate to your current heading.
Advantages
Works well in classes that have structured lectures and readings with clear headings and subheadings.
Use of indenting and grouping shows relationships between information.
Headings provide an active recall cue for study questions.
Works well for online learning and taking notes on a computer.
Disadvantages
Easy to result in thoughtless recording of everything the professor says.
Needs student to maintain organization as the class progresses.
May be less effective in science, technology, and math (STEM) classes.
Method may be difficult to use in fast-paced classes or with unstructured lectures.
Best Used When
Class is presented using PowerPoints and other slide-based methods.
There is little time in class to decide on how to organize information.
When you re-write your notes in a different format to study for tests
The Cornell Method is useful for taking for taking notes in class, making notes from textbooks and with online resources.
Set up your note page. Divide your page into 3 sections. Put a column for cues on the left and notes on the right. Place a Summary section at the bottom of the page.
Begin in the Notes Column. Use it to take notes as you normally would.
Fill in the Cue Column. The cues are questions, key terms and headings that relate to the Notes Column.
Fill in the Summary section. The summary should have one or two learning outcomes base on your notes and cues.
Advantages
Allows recording and reviewing notes in one location.
Fast highlighting of concepts and ideas
Enables reflection on material while taking notes.
Disadvantages
Takes more work and time to process cues and questions.
Note column may not provide enough space.
Best Used For
Keeping class notes and study notes together on same page(s)
Allows more time to focus on class discussions over note taking.
Allows student to practice summarizing information. This can be helpful in studying for short answer or essay tests.
The Charting Method is a method for condensing and organizing notes. It uses columns and rows to organize and summarize notes and other information such as textbook chapters.
Identify Categories and Topics. Doing this will require that you read over your class notes, textbook assignments, PowerPoints etc. Determine what the main topic(s) are. What are the subtopics? How do the categories of information compare between the subtopics?
Set up your spreadsheet or chart before class. Use columns to set up information categories and rows subtopics. Be sure to add an extra column at the far right to accommodate extra notes and information that may not fit in the categories.
Write information in corresponding column. As you listen to the lecture, add words and phrases, main ideas to the column.
Advantages
Helps to quickly identify most important information.
Requires less writing in class.
Simplifies memorization of facts and understanding of how topics relate to each other.
Great way to review and sort through handwritten class notes.
Disadvantages
Requires prep work before class.
Not very flexible
Not always suited to STEM type class instruction.
Hard to manage when class instruction is fast-paced and/or unstructured.
Best Used For
Being tested on facts and their relationships.
Complex content that is presented quickly.
Saving time by needing less reviewing and editing when studying for a test.
Provides a broad overview of a class in one spot.
Mind or Concept Mapping is a visual method for making connections between large quantities of information without writing out long notes or paragraphs.
Identify the main topic of the day's class. Do some brainstorming about the topic using your textbook, course readings and other sources including your own experiences,
Organize the information into subtopics and main points. Use the main topic of the class as the center of your map. Create branches that link out to the subtopics. Connect key points to the subtopics that will be important to remember.
Review the map and look for more connections. Use arrows, symbols or even colors to show relationships between ideas and information.
Revise or redraw the map as you learn new material and make connections.
Advantages:
Creates a visual aid for studying.
Assists with brainstorming and recording ideas.
Shows relationships between topics and helps with retaining information.
Disadvantages:
Need to distinguish between facts and thoughts.
Needs to be used along with other note taking methods.
Needs strong concentration to be used during a class.
Details are easily missed particularly when dealing with complex subjects.
Best Used For
Class lecture content that is well-organized and focused.
Study of a concept with many categories and subcategories all linking back to a central concept.
