Finding the Best Note-Taking Method for You

Cornell note-taking method. Taking notes doesn’t have to include every detail of every item covered in a lecture. You can take efficient notes by identifying keywords that are the main idea of what you’re learning about, then notes regarding each keyword. The Cornell note-taking method was designed to help students test themselves while studying. You can use the Cornell Method by dividing your paper, or if you’re using a note-taking app, your page, into two vertical columns. The right column should take up about two-thirds of the width of the paper. Label the left side “Keywords” and the right “Notes.” Leave the lower third of the paper open for a summary of the lecture after it’s complete. You can easily fold back different parts of the paper, quiz yourself on points from each keyword, or identify keywords based on your notes.

All your ideas in one place

Keep your thoughts, content, and lists handy with OneNote

Learn more

Boxing method. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate items in your notes. The boxing method is great for compartmentalizing many topics and subtopics on one page. You can use the boxing method by writing the first topic at the top of the paper. Move down into the section of the paper for each of your subtopics, then group each subtopic’s keywords with it. Once you’ve finished a subtopic, draw a box around it and all accompanying keywords. Do this for each subtopic under the main topic. After you’ve completed all subtopics for the main topic, draw a box around all subtopics and the main topic to group them together. This can be done for two or three main topics on a single page, depending on how many subtopics or keywords each has. You can also take your boxing a step further by using colors to identify main topic boxes against subtopic boxes.

Mapping method. The mapping method is a great way to help visualize how ideas connect. Mapping is building a chart with branches leading to your main topic. Subtopics will branch off from the main topic, with keywords continuing to branch downward from subtopics. Your flowchart will show branches with definitions and statistics, then end with the final keyword of a subtopic. It’s an easy way to create a visual representation of how ideas connect or differ.

Outline note-taking method. Taking and reviewing notes is easier for some if it’s a linear process that follows a rigid structure. The outline note-taking method is great for linear thinkers. Start by identifying your main idea and labeling it with something like the Roman numeral I. Each subtopic will follow with a capital letter starting with A. Keywords will follow with standard numerals 1, 2, etc. If you don’t want to follow the standard outline form, you can always use dashes and bullet points. Using dashes and bullet points is less structured than lettering and numbering, so it can be helpful to include strategic indentations by slightly moving each subtopic or keyword away from the margin. Indenting subtopics and keywords in this way make it easier to organize your notes into your top subtopics. Outlining is one of the easiest methods for those who prefer to take notes on their computer.

Charting note-taking method. Some lectures are structured and laid out for students beforehand. You know what the professor will address based on the required reading or a syllabus. Prepare your notes before getting to class with the charting note-taking method. Divide a piece of paper into columns for the lecture’s key points. You can then take notes based on each keyword in those columns to create organized notes that are easy to review after class.

Sentence method. Not everybody needs structured notes. In fact, some lecturers talk so fast that it makes it almost impossible to take time to structure your notes. Have you ever had that professor who speaks in commas instead of periods? Good luck trying to organize run-on sentences into charts or bullet points. Using the sentence method is a great way to listen to your fast-talking professor while still catching the most important aspects of the lecture. You can always convert your notes into another method after class so they’re more organized and easier to understand. This will help your retention and understanding of the material in the long run. Or, easier yet, use a note-taking app that lets you record notes and format them later.

Everybody has their own style, so choose the best one for you—or mix and match to customize it to your needs. No matter what note-taking method you use, pairing it with good productivity software with all the popular apps will make life even easier! If you’re a college student, you can find some pretty good deals to help you ace all those classes without breaking the bank.