Learning Services
FIND YOUR NOTE-TAKING STYLE:
Five effective methods
METHOD 1: CORNELL
METHOD 2: OUTLINE
METHOD 3: MAP
METHOD 4: CHART
METHOD 5: SENTENCE
-Systematic format for condensing and organizing notes without recopying
-Write notes in main space
-Use left margin to label each idea and concept with a key word or "cue"
Procedure
-Draw a line from top to bottom of each sheet of paper, making a 2.5-inch margin on the left and a 6-inch area on the right
-During class, record information on the right
-Skip a few lines when the instructor moves to a new point
-After class, spend a few minutes completing your phrases and sentences as much as possible
-Write a cue in the left margin next to every significant fact or point
-To review, cover the notes on the right with a card or book leaving the cues exposed
-Say the cue out loud, then say as much of the covered material as you can
-Move the cover away and see how much you remembered
-If you can say it, you know it!
Advantages
-Organized and systematic
-Identifies major concepts and ideas
-Simple and efficient--saves time and effort
-"Do it right the first time"
Disadvantages
-None
When to Use
-Lecture
-Use numbers, letters, Roman numerals, dashes, or just indents
-General information begins at the left margin
-As groups of facts get more specific they are indented farther to the right
-Indents show the relationships between parts
Procedure
-Listen and write in points in an organized pattern based on space indentation
-Place major points farthest to the left
-Indent each more specific point to the right
-Levels of importance are indicated by distance away from the major point
-Use numbers, letters, etc. or simply indented space
-To review, turn the far left main points into questions and answer using all the information below
Advantages
-Well-organized system if done correctly
-Demonstrates relationships between ideas
-Identifies main points (farthest left)
Disadvantages
-Requires more thought during class
-Cannot be used when lecture is delivered too quickly
-Not ideal for review
When to Use
-If lecture is presented in outline format, either deductive (regular) or inductive (minor points build to a major point)
-When lecture is presented with enough time to think and organize information
-If you are fast and sharp at note-taking
-Uses creative concentration skills to relate each fact or idea to every other fact or idea
-Gives a graphic representation of the lecture content (diagram)
-Maximizes active participation, increases understanding, emphasizes critical thinking
Procedure
-Do not follow the lines of the paper while taking notes
-Instead, group items of similar content in grouped spaced around the paper
-Use arrows, lines, circles, or other symbols to connect material
-It is best to re-write notes after class in order to re-group topics and organize materials in a manner that is more meaningful visually
Advantages
-Enables visual tracking of the lecture
-Shows clear relationships between information "chunks"
-Easy to edit by adding numbers, marks, and color coding
-Review requires revisiting thought processes--leads to increased understanding
-To review, cover lines for memory drill and relationships
-Write main points on note cards and piece together into a table or larger structure during the semester
Disadvantages
-May be difficult to identify the major points
When to Use
-When lecture content is heavy and well-organized
-With guest lecturer when you are not familiar with the presenter's format or style
-With some distinct lecture formats a chart can be constructed to record the information
Procedure
-Determine the categories to be covered in the lecture
-Set up the paper with columns headed by the categories
-Listen and record information in the appropriate category
Advantages
-Reduces amount of writing
-Easy review of facts and relationships between them
Disadvantages
-Set-up sometimes takes practice
-Requires fair understanding of lecture format and content
When to Use
-With heavy content that is presented quickly
-When the test will focus on both facts and relationships
-To reduce editing and reviewing time
-For overview of course on a few pages of notes
Procedure
-In class, write every new thought, fact, or topic on a separate line
-Number points as needed
-After class, rewrite into full sentences and paragraphs
Advantages
-Very efficient, gets most or all of lecture on paper
-Rewrite is good preparation for essay tests
Disadvantages
-Focus is on recording lecture, not understanding
-Difficult to determine major points
-Takes time to rewrite
-Not very useful for review
When to Use
-For fairly organized heavy lecture content delivered quickly
-When you hear different points but don't know how they fit together
-When lecturer doesn't give clues like "There are four recurring themes..."
Adapted from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo Study Skills Library
