Note-taking styles

Common Note-Taking Styles

While lectures provide information, note-taking is a means of outlining lecture content in a more personalised and understandable manner to answer intended learning outcomes

Use abbreviations during lectures to save time while writing

Active listening, rather than writing everything down, helps create more effective notes

Use one or a combination of methods according to the type of content

Highlight points you don't understand and ask after lectures

Rewrite, review and consolidate material after lectures

Outline Method

Boxing Method

Charting Method

Mapping Method

Cornell Method

Enables establishment of correlation between topics

Information is grouped and therefore easier to review

To compare and contrast material of the same type

Organises information in a heirarchical manner

Promotes active thinking while writing

• Notes can be taken digitally or physically according to personal preference. Some digital apps commonly used include: OneNote, MSWord, GoodNotes ( ) and Notion ( )
• It is also worthwhile to complete notes on a regular basis to save time during revision breaks
• Revision can also be complemented by flashcards which can be made digitally on Quizlet

*These methods serve as a guide and are not universally applicable, please endeavour to adapt these to your learning styles

Cornell Method

Division into three sections for organising information

The column for main points is for notes written during class whereas the left column is for questions or key words that act as hints for the notes. The summary column acts as a space for summarising all ideas mentioned in the notes and should be completed after lectures. Although this technique may be time consuming, it makes revision easier by having content laid out in a logical manner to help extract important information.

Boxing Method

Dividing topics into boxes

Each lecture can be divided by different topics/ideas which can encompass different boxes and detail regarding each topic can be enclosed within a box. This would not be suitable as a primary method of note-taking as it sumamrises content but can be made to supplement core notes for revision.

Outline Method

Heirarchical organisation of information

Main topics are written with subheadings mentioned underneath. Detail encompassing each subheading is mentioned as nested bullet points. This method highlights the heirarchy of information, is easier to follow during lectures and organizes notes to make revision easier.

Charting Method

Tables to compare information

This method groups information on the basis of comapring shared properties. This would not be effective as a standalone method and should be integrated into notes to compare different methods mentioned. This could help in the synthesis component of the marking rubric and can also be made to review information in an organized manner.

Mapping Method

Visual maps to link information

This method establishes correlation between topics and helps to group and relate similar ideas. This is particularly helpful for synthesising and visualising information.This is a non-linear method of note-taking and can make connections between different topics easily apparent compared to other methods.