FIVE NOTETAKING METHODS

Notetaking

Great note-taking takes practice. You have to find a method that works for you, and that may change depending on the class that you’re in (for example, a science class versus a humanities class). Here are 5 methods that are proven to be successful. Read over each one and decide if there’s one that might work for you. These styles are described in the format you would use to take notes in class. You might find that a comfortable method is a combination of 2 or more of the ones listed here, and that’s fine. Figure out what works for you and stick with it!

Page # Layout of the page and where to write

THE CORNELL METHOD Today’s Date You physically draw a line vertically down your paper, leaving 2.5 inches on the left and 6 inches on the right. This allows you to take notes on the right-hand side of the page leaving space on the left to summarize the main point with a cue word or phase. When the instructor moves to a new topic, skip a line. It is also a great idea to use some organizational structure to your whole page. Use bullets!  Use an indented system – kind of like outlining You can underline important words. If you aren’t able to completely write down an idea before the instructor moves on to a new topic, fill it in after class. After class, test your knowledge of course material by covering up the right side of the page, reading the cue words, and trying to remember as much information as possible. Then check to see if you remembered correctly. Also write page and day summaries. This is a simple and efficient way of recording and reviewing notes – it’s easy for pulling out major concepts and ideas. It’s simple and efficient. It saves time and effort because you “do-it-right-in-the-firstplace.”

Organization of concepts

Filling in blanks.

Reviewing and Studying

Advantages

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES, University of Redlands
10/8/2010

909-748-8108

FIVE NOTETAKING METHODS

Notetaking

THE OUTLINING METHOD Page # Today’s Date Class Topic: How To Outline Notes I. The first level is reserved for each new topic/idea and is very general. a. This concept must always apply to the level above it (I) i. This concept must always apply to the level above it (a) ii. This is a second supporting piece of information for the level above it (a) but is equal to the previous information (i) iii. This information is a sister to (i) and (ii) b. This concept applies to the level above it (I) and is a “sister” to (a) II. You don’t have to use Roman Numerals, Letters, and Numbers – try only indents, dashes, and bullets! III. Outlining requires listening and writing in points in an organizational pattern based on space indentation a. Advantages to outlining i. It is well-organized ii. It records relationships and content iii. It reduces editing and is easy to review by turning the main points into questions b. Disadvantages to outlining i. It requires more thought during class for accurate organization. ii. It does not always show relationships by sequence. iii. It doesn’t work well if the lecture is moving at a quick pace.

Page # How? Set up your paper in columns and label appropriate headings. The headings could be categories covered in the lecture. Insert information (words, phrases, main ideas, etc) into the appropriate category.

THE CHARTING METHOD Today’s Date Advantages Disadvantages When to Use it? Helps pull out the most Can be a hard system If you’ll be tested on facts relevant information. to learn to use. and relationships.

Also reduces the amount You need to know the of writing necessary. content that will be covered during the lecture before it begins. Provides easy review for memorizing facts and studying comparisons and relationships.

If content is heavy and presented quickly – such as a history course with dates, people, events, etc. If you want to get an overview of the whole course on one big paper.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES, University of Redlands
10/8/2010

909-748-8108

FIVE NOTETAKING METHODS
Page # THE MAPPING METHOD Today’s Date A GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF A CONCEPT How does this work?

Notetaking

Maximizes active participation.

Affords immediate knowledge toward understanding.

Emphasizes critical thinking.

What are the Advantages?

Helps you visually track your lecture.

Relationships can be easily seen and requires little thinking.

Easy to edit notes and add colors.

What are the Disadvantages?

You may not hear changes in content from major points to facts.

THE SENTENCE METHOD Page # Today’s Date 1. Write every new thought, fact, or topic on a separate line as you progress, numbering each sentence. 2. Advantages: it’s more organized than writing paragraphs and still records most of the information. 3. Disadvantages: it’s hard to determine major/minor points and it’s hard to edit and review with clean-up. 4. It’s a good method when there’s lots of information and you don’t know how the ideas fit together. You can make some connections as you go (for more information, refer to #2).
Developed from http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/notetaking.systems.html

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES, University of Redlands
10/8/2010

909-748-8108