Note-taking is the practice of recording information from different sources and platforms. By taking notes, the writer records the essence of the information, freeing their mind from having to recall everything.
There are multiple different ways to take notes depending on what works best for you and how you learn and store information into your long term memory.
Here are a few different ways to take notes:
- Cornell Method - Divide your paper into three sections: a narrow column on the left for cues or questions, a wider column on the right for notes, and a section at the bottom for summarizing the main points after the lecture or reading. This method encourages active engagement and summarization.
- Outline Method - Organize your notes hierarchically, using bullet points or numbering to denote main ideas, subpoints, and supporting details. This method is great for capturing structured information and relationships between ideas.
- Mind Mapping - Start with a main concept and branch out into related ideas using lines, drawings and keywords. This visual method helps to illustrate connections between concepts and can be particularly useful for brainstorming sessions or when studying interconnected topics.
- Charting/graphing - use tables, graphs or charts to organize and compare information. This method works well for data-heavy subjects, allowing you to visually represent trends, comparisons or sequences.
- Sentence method - Simply write down each new idea or concept in a complete sentence. This method encourages active listening or reading and helps to maintain focus on the main points.
- Annotation - If you’re reading a text, annotate directly in the margins or use sticky notes to jot down thoughts, questions or summaries. This method helps engage with the material and can make reviewing later much easier.
- Digital Note-taking tools - utilize digital note-taking apps like OneNote or Notion to organize and store your notes electronically. These tools often offer features like searchable text, tagging and multimedia integration.
- These types of apps can be downloaded on an iPad, a tablet or a computer
- Abbreviations and symbols - develop a system of abbreviations or symbols to quickly jot down notes without sacrificing comprehension. This method can help you capture more information in less time, especially during fast-paced lectures or discussions.
- Highlighting or colour coding - use different colours or highlights to distinguish between main ideas, supporting details, examples and definitions. This method can make key points stand out and aid in quick review.
- Review and summarization - regularly review your notes and create summaries or outlines of materials. This reinforces learning and helps to consolidate information in your memory.
Try out different methods of note-taking and see what works best for you.