In this guide you will learn the importance of taking notes while you are in school. You will learn the importance of taking notes (why), things to include in your notes (what) and the different ways to take notes (how).
There are many note-taking styles that can accommodate different learning preferences and disciplines, whether you prefer digital or handwritten notes. So remember to be flexible as not one note-taking style may be suitable in every circumstance, but a combination of styles.
Benefits of Editing
The best time to edit your notes is soon after class. By editing, you will be able to
Charting way is an efficient way of note-taking especially for test preparation. By writing down the essential information, you can make comparisons to understand, retain, and review the material.
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Here is a video on how to get started on the charting method.
The Cornell note-taking method is a popular way for students to take notes. It can be used both for taking notes during lectures and as a way to review for tests and exams.
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If you are a visual learner, the Mapping method is ideal for you. Unlike the outline method, which uses a linear structure, the Mapping method is flexible and allows you to see the whole picture and how information is interconnected.
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The outline method for notetaking is a hierarchical structure that is best used when reading an article, as the information is clearly laid out. It starts with the main topics at the broadest level, followed by secondary subtopics, and finally, detailed information.
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American Psychiatric Association, issuing body, & American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 Task Force. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5-TR (Fifth edition, text revision.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Clare, I. (2024). 150+ useful symbols and abbreviations for note taking. 7esl.com. https://7esl.com/abbreviations-for-note-taking/
Cornell University (n.d.) The key to good notes. [Video]. Cornell University. https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/taking-notes/
Kesselman-Turkel, J., & Peterson, F. (2003). Note-taking made easy (1st ed.). University of Wisconsin Press.
Tamm, S. (2021). Charting method of note-taking: A beginner’s guide. e-student.org. https://e-student.org/charting-note-taking-method/
Tamm, S. (2023). How to take Cornell notes: 5 steps to success. e-student.org. https://e-student.org/cornell-note-taking-method/
Tamm, S. (2022). The outline note-taking method: A beginner’s guide. e-student.org. https://e-student.org/outline-note-taking-method/
Tamm, S. (2023). The mapping method of note-taking: pros & cons. e-student.org. https://e-student.org/mapping-note-taking-method/
The Learning Portal (n.d.) Why you should take notes to improve learning. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/7Exn-oGF3jA
Timberlake, K., & Timberlake, W. E. (2008). Basic chemistry (2nd ed.). Pearson/Prentice Hall.
Trangadventures. (2020). How to take notes with the charting method: Studymas 2020 [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/abzYOuRI9tM?si=yBPvlPCzHT51t-ZR
Van Blerkom, D. L. (2006). College study skills: becoming a strategic learner (5th ed.). Thomson/Wadsworth.
Category: Whether you are reading an article or listening to a lecture, the information can be categorized as either facts or opinions. Facts are based on evidence, while opinions lack proof. Sometimes, distinguishing between the two can be challenging. However, certain words and expressions often signal an opinion.
Relevance: To determine if the information you hear or read is noteworthy, preparation is key. For instance, before attending a lecture, completing the assigned readings can help you identify important points. Similarly, when taking notes from your readings, previewing the sections can give you a better sense of what to focus on.
