Note Taking Systems

Ever find that the words spew out of your teacher's mouth faster than you can get them down on paper? Ever left with jumbles of chicken scratch at the end of a class that you have no idea what to do with? We already know there are plenty of ways to fall behind in your studies (e.g., spending too much time on social networking sites), so we don't want a lack of note taking skills to add to the list.  No worries. We've got you covered with convenient note taking systems that are prized pieces of knowledge to have in the classroom. As long as you're willing to put forth the effort, these note taking systems will help you to better understand your material and become more engaged in your classes.

The Cornell Method - The Outlining Method - The Mapping Method - The Charting Method - The Sentence Method

The Cornell Method 

This is a system of note taking from Cornell University, which divides the paper into a regular note-taking column, an area to summarize the notes, and a cue column to write reflections and questions while reviewing the notes. 

  • Academic Success Center - The key to academic success starts with good notes. And not the ones you pass to your crush about your after school plans. Check out this resource from George Washington University, which shows you how to take stellar notes Cornell-style
  • Cornell Method PDF Generator - This website will allow you to create custom made Cornell-approved sheets that you'll be able to use in the classroom. The creator has even taken six years of user feedback into account to improve the tool.
  • Notetaking: The Cornell Method - This resource provides clear direction on how to use the Cornell Method to your advantage. It lists a number of important considerations when taking notes, such as cross-referencing or drawing connections.
  • The Cornell Method of Note Taking - This resource, from the University of Chicago, offers four easy steps for proper note taking using the Cornell Method. Most importantly, this resource describes note taking in the context of preparing for an exam.
  • The Cornell Note Taking System - This resource summarizes the different components of the Cornell Method. It also gives an example that you might find useful when you try the method for yourself.
  • The Learning Toolbox - Cornell Notes - This website provides foolproof directions on how to create Cornell notes. To use the Cornell method, all you have to remember is D-D-W-R-S-S.

The Outlining Method

If you've made it beyond the third grade, our guess is that you already know how to do this method. There are no Roman numerals required in the Outlining Method--only indentation to indicate points and sub-points.

  • How to Take Notes, Career and Academic Development - This resource, provided by Belhaven University, describes a number of useful strategies concerning the Outlining Method. Read this page to learn about the difference between deductive and inductive outlining.
  • Note Taking: Outline Method - Want to see how to move from main ideas to details? Look to this website for an example.
  • Study-o-lite: The Outlining Method - In this website, a girl from India shares a brief, but useful review on the Outlining Method. If you want quick directions on how to use the method, we suggest you visit this site.
  • Taking Notes: Outline Method - This resource asserts that note taking is one of the most important study skills for high school and college students. Learn how to develop your note taking skills by visiting the suggested link.
  • The Outlining Method - This resource is extremely useful in that it gives the three defining characteristics of using the Outlining Method. It also provides both advantages and disadvantages of using the method so that you can decide whether it is right for you.

The Mapping Method

This method of note taking calls for you to draw relationships between the concepts presented in lecture. Dust up on your art skills by giving the Mapping Method at try.

  • Methods of Note Taking - This resource, by Alexandria Community and Technical College, provides some great diagrams you can use to implement the Mapping Method. If you're looking to freshen up on the Cornell or Outline methods mentioned above, this is also a great resource!
  • Mind Map Notes - Mapping, this resource says, will activate both halves of the brain. Learn how to fire as many neurons as possible by checking out this very descriptive resource on note taking.
  • Note Taking: Mind Maps - Find tips on how to perform the Mapping Method by visiting this resource. Also follow step-by-step directions.
  • Note Taking: The Mind Map Method - Calling all visual learners! This resource really emphasizes that the Mapping Method works best for those who are highly visual.
  • The Mapping Method - This resource asserts the need for concentration and conprehension skills while mapping. It describes the advantages and disadvantages of the method, helping you to decide when to use it.

The Charting Method

This method of note taking is useful for lectures presented chronologically. It requires you to pick out categories of important information and group information accordlingly.

  • Charting Method - This resource, by Colorado State University, provides a comprehensive example of the Charting Method. Even if you're not studying communications, you can still find this example useful.
  • Charting Method - By following the advice of this resource, you'll be able to "understand something you've understood all your life, but in a new way." Wondering how that's possible? Visit this resource to find out.
  • Charting Method of Note Taking - Who knew history gurus would also be versed in study skills? Historyguru.org offers a helpful description of the Charting Method.
  • NoteTakingHelp.com - Did you know that charting can actually make studying material more difficult if the categories you have chosen aren't broad enough to cover all the information you need to know? Learn this and other helpful tips by visiting this website.
  • The Charting Method - Learn the advantages and disadvantages of using the Charting Method by visiting this website. Be careful, however. This method is recommended only for certain kinds of lectures, which you can find out by browsing this resource. 

The Sentence Method

This method involves separating and labeling the lines of sentences so that it is easier to see where one idea ends and another begins. If you're having trouble recording all that your teacher is saying, this method can be very beneficial.

  • Note Taking| Gather - This resource urges people to become effective note takers, especially now that our society has become more technical. Learn special tips on the Sentence Method and note taking in general here.
  • NoteTakingHelp.com - This resource describes two important things you should know before using the Sentence Method. Learn how to be a speedy note taker by visiting this website. 
  • Shorter Sentences - This resource, also from NoteTakingHelp.com will help you to condense loads of information into shorter sentences. Taking the advice listed here will also help to reduce that annoying hand cramping that students experience too frequently.
  • Study Techniques, Taking Notes in the Classroom - Vst ths rsrc for tips on how to shorten sentences in order to take notes more quickly. When it comes to the Sentence Method, vowels may be a thing of the past.
  • The Sentence Method - This  resource not only gives the advantages and disadvantages of using the Sentence Method, but it provides helpful examples as well. Ever think that "e.g., econ., socl., etc. C.f. text, pp. 29-30" could represent a whole paragraph of information? Think again.

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