Note-taking is one of the most useful and worth-it skills every student should possess. Not only students, but every person, whether you’re attending a conference, workshop, or any meeting. Well, note-taking is considered one of the most beneficial qualities that help them remember things in the future.
However, some students often look forward to developing this habit, but are quite confused about how to do it. With various note taking methods, students are unable to understand which practice is best for them. Therefore, in this article, you will know about different methods for note taking that you can use in your academic as well as professional life.
Scholarly Help has also mentioned some best note taking apps for iPad.
Top 6 Different Methods for Note Taking
In this guide of note taking methods, you will read different strategies of note taking. We will also tell students to implement these tactics to take effective notes in the classroom and office as well.
1. Outline Method of Note Taking
Outline is a note-taking technique that creates a strict structure for storing data. When used properly, the outline method of note taking produces precisely well-organized notes, making it one of the most effective note-taking methods. The approach can be applied both deductively and inductively.
It is one of the several techniques that enables you to easily identify the connections between topics. Outlined notes are among the easiest to study. However, this technique isn’t always appropriate for taking notes during a presentation, and outlining needs a distinct lesson plan to function.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Quick and easy to create and review2. Extensive preparation is not required3. Information is outlined in a hierarchical and logical sequence4. Relationship between topics is clearly visible | 1. This method isn’t suitable for STEM students.2. Making outlined notes requires steady focus.3. Learning materials should be clear. |
2. Cornell Note Taking Method
A tried-and-tested way for taking notes is the Cornell method, which was created over 50 years ago. It keeps track of notes using two top columns and one bottom row.
The technique is one of the easiest but most efficient note-taking techniques available, widely adaptable, and suitable for most disciplines. You’ll always have at least one reliable note-taking technique under your belt if you learn the Cornell approach. There is a strong reason why the Cornell method of note taking is among the most widely used note-taking techniques in the world.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Time-efficient and effortless2. Easy to learn3. Organized and systematic for both note taking and reviewing4. Easy to extract major concepts5. Suitable for most of the subjects | 1. Large number of Cornell notes are hard to organize2. You need to purchase a Cornell style page. |
3. Charting Method of Note Taking
The charting method of note taking uses charts to categorize the information into rows and columns. Despite the method’s limitations, it can be an incredible method in the right situations. With subjects where it is possible to compartmentalize factual or statistical data into tables, this strategy works well.
Unfortunately, it is not appropriate for taking notes during live lectures, extremely intricate subjects, or subjects where the relationships between the space between the information are crucial. Additionally, it is not a good fit for courses where there are a lot of equation-based difficulties.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Suitable for compare and contrast topics2. Effortless to review3. Powerful method for topics with facts and figures4. Efficient and easy to create | 1. Might not be suitable for several subjects2. Requires basic topic understanding3. Pretty much time consuming |
GET ACADEMIC WRITING HELP
Your assignment won’t be delivered on time: you’ll get it beforehand. Review your work immediately and ask for free revisions right away. Get extensive help in:
Online Class Exam Homework
Assignment Essay Writing Dissertations
4. Mapping Method of Note Taking
By using imagery, the mapping method of note taking links many thoughts, concepts, notions, and events together. According to reports, notes in the notebooks of Albert Einstein and Leonardo Da Vinci both connected images to phrases and notes using a mapping method.
The major theme of the page is the starting point of the mapping process, which then branches out into smaller subtopics, supporting topics, and minor details. For visual learners, the technique offers an unrivaled graphical overview of the lecture material.
The ideal places to use mapping methods are in college courses with lots of structured content. Due to its time-consuming nature, taking notes during a live lesson is extremely feasible.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Perfect for visual learning style2. Delivers an extensive understanding of topic3. Improves your participation in class4. Connects small elements with the main topic | 1. Requires steady concentration2. Cannot be effectively used during lectures3. Pretty much time consuming |
5. Sentence Method of Note Taking
Using sentences that are divided by lines, the sentence method of note taking captures as much information as possible from the information source rapidly. As a result of its convenience, it is probably the most often used note-taking technique. However, it does require quick handwriting or typing skills to be used efficiently.
The sentence technique generates lengthy notes that are notoriously challenging to evaluate later. Nevertheless, the sentence method can be your only option in some quick, unorganized lessons for which you are unprepared. However, it’s usually a good idea to revise any notes made using the sentence method after class.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Can be easily used during lectures2. Suitable for any subject3. Easy to implement | 1. Points may be vague from the main topic2. Speedy handwriting is required |
6. Boxing Method of Note Taking
The boxing method of note taking employs boxes to clearly divide topics on a page. The boxing strategy can be utilized with handwritten notes even if it was created for use with electronic devices.
The boxing method produces notes that are appealing to the eye and simple to analyze. The technique also fully utilizes digital skills including lassoing, scaling, and rearranging notes after composing. It’s one of the best note-taking techniques for graphic learners, along with mind mapping.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Highly useful for digital note taking tools2. Versatile for visual learning style3. Aesthetically fascinating | 1. Time-consuming2. Not practical during lectures |
Take Away
So, above were some best note taking methods and techniques that can be used within the classroom or conference rooms during lectures and presentations to take notes. However, each of the above methods is pretty simple to learn and implement.
If you wonder what method is suitable for you, then identify your subject area first. For instance, if you are a graphic or visual learner, then the mapping and boxing note taking methods are suitable for you. On the other hand, if you have to compare and contrast two topics, use a charting method of note taking.
Developing the habit of note taking helps students to remain organized and effortless to learn while preparing for their exams. Similarly, for those deeply engaged in academic endeavors, having a reliable support system for writing papers is crucial. In this regard, ghostwriter-vwl.com acts as a pivotal aid for students and researchers alike. This platform not only assists in enhancing the quality of academic papers but also ensures that the research is presented in a clear, concise, and effective manner. By leveraging such resources, students can significantly improve their academic writing skills and produce work that meets rigorous academic standards.
If you’re in need of academic writing assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us through live chat or WhatsApp. Discover the full range of our services by visiting scholarlyhelp.com. We’re here to help you excel in your academic journey.
