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5 Most Effective Note-Taking Methods

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2 views6 pages

5 Most Effective Note-Taking Methods

Uploaded by

singhxhr01
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5 Most Effective Note-Taking Methods

Welcome to the 5 Most Effective Note-Taking Methods Guide!

Today, I’m excited to share with you 5 incredibly effective note-taking methods that
can transform your college life. These techniques will make it much easier and simpler
for you to understand lectures, and more importantly, actually apply what you’ve learned
both in real-life situations and on your exams!

I’ve personally been using these methods, and they’ve helped me tremendously.

Without further ado, let’s dive into each method!

1. Cornell Note-Taking System


Cornell Note-Taking System is a method where you divide your notes into sections to
organize key points, questions, and summaries clearly.​

Steps:
1.​ Draw a vertical line about 2.5 inches from the left margin.

2.​ Use the right side for detailed lecture notes.

3.​ Use the left side for key terms, questions, or main ideas.

4.​ Leave the bottom part of the page to write a short summary after class.

Example:
​

Img1: Cornell Note-Taking Method

Why it's effective:


It encourages active thinking and makes reviewing and self-quizzing super easy. It also
allows you to really understand what’s being taught in the lecture through summarizing
the key points.

2. Outline Method
Outline Method is a method where you structure your notes in bullet points with main
topics and subtopics using indentation.​

Steps:
1.​ Start with main ideas on the far left.​

2.​ Indent sub-points underneath each main idea.​


3.​ Keep indenting further if you have even more detailed points.​

4.​ Use bullets, numbers, or dashes to organize levels.

Example:
​

Img2: Outline Method

Why it's effective:


It keeps information organized and shows how ideas connect at a glance.

3. Mapping Method
Mapping Method is a method where you draw a visual map of how ideas connect to
each other during the lecture.​

Steps:
1.​ Write the central topic in the middle of the page.​

2.​ Branch subtopics outward with lines or arrows.​


3.​ Add details around each branch as they are discussed.​

4.​ Keep growing your map as new ideas appear.

Example:
​

Img3: Mind Mapping

Why it's effective:


It helps you visualize complex ideas and spot relationships instantly.

4. Charting Method
Charting Method is a method where you use a table to organize facts, categories, or
comparisons neatly during the lecture.​

Steps:
1.​ Before class, set up a table with columns for different categories, like "Concept,"
"Definition," "Example".​

2.​ As you listen to the lecture, fill in the appropriate boxes with short, clear points.​
3.​ Add rows for new topics as the lecture continues.

Example:

Img4: Charting Method

Why it's effective:


It organizes information fast and is especially powerful for subjects heavy on
comparisons or lists. For those majoring in Computer Science, this might help you a lot
in your Data Structures and Algorithms classes.

5. Boxing Method
Boxing Method is a method where you separate each topic or concept into its own box
while taking notes.​

Steps:
1.​ As the lecture introduces a new idea, draw a box around that topic's notes.​

2.​ Start a new box for each new concept.​

3.​ Keep notes inside each box short and focused.

Example:
Img5: Boxing Method

Why it's effective:


It keeps notes neat, focused, and super easy to find during review.​

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