1.
Outline Note-Taking Method:
o Best for: Most subjects except science classes like physics or
math.
o Difficulty level: Medium.
o How it works: The outline method uses indentation to create a
clear hierarchy of information. It organizes content in a logical and
hierarchical manner.
o Advantages:
Visible space relationships between topics.
Quick and easy to review before exams.
No special notepaper required.
Positive research findings.
Usable during slow to medium-paced lectures.
o Disadvantages:
Unsuitable for some STEM (science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics) subjects.
Requires a clear lesson structure.
2. Cornell Note-Taking Method:
o Best for: All subjects.
o How it works: Divide your paper into three sections: a narrow left
column for cues or questions, a wider right column for notes, and a
summary section at the bottom.
o Advantages:
Organized and systematic.
Easy to review major concepts.
Efficient and time-saving.
o Disadvantages: None.
o When to Use: In any lecture situation.
3. Mapping Note-Taking Method:
o Best for: Visual learners.
o How it works: Create a visual map connecting main ideas,
subtopics, and details.
o Advantages:
Visual representation aids memory.
Shows relationships between concepts.
Encourages creativity.
o Disadvantages: May not be suitable for all types of content.
4. Sentence Note-Taking Method:
o Best for: Fast-paced lectures.
o How it works: Write down key points in complete sentences.
o Advantages:
Captures essential information.
Suitable for quick note-taking.
o Disadvantages: May miss some details due to speed.
5. Highlighting Method:
o Best for: Reviewing textbooks or printed materials.
o How it works: Highlight important phrases or sentences.
o Advantages:
Quick and easy.
Draws attention to critical content.
o Disadvantages: Doesn’t encourage active engagement.
[Link] Method?
o The boxing method involves creating boxes or clusters to visually
separate different topics within your notes.
o Imagine your notes as a series of interconnected boxes, each
containing information related to a specific topic.
o As you encounter new topics, you create new boxes and close off
the previous ones.
Advantages of the Boxing Method:
o Digital Note-Taking Capabilities: Originally designed for digital
devices like tablets and laptops, the boxing method takes full
advantage of features such as lasso tools and shape insertion. It’s
especially popular among college students using iPads or touch-
screen laptops.
o Easy Review and Revision: Because of its visual structure, boxing
notes are easy to review. You can quickly scan through different
topics and their related information.
o Visual Learning: Separating topics with boxes appeals to visual
learners. It helps you see connections and relationships between
different pieces of information.
o Aesthetically Pleasing: Well-organized boxing notes can be quite
beautiful—like a neat puzzle of knowledge.
Disadvantages of the Boxing Method:
o Concentration Skills Required: To use the boxing method
effectively, you need good concentration skills. It’s not ideal for
distracted or fast-paced environments.
o Time-Intensive: Creating and maintaining boxes can take time,
especially if you’re doing it manually.
o Not Suitable for Every Lecture Type: While it works well for
certain subjects, it might not be the best choice for all types of
lectures.
o Lack of Subcategories: Unlike some other methods (such as the
mapping method), the boxing method doesn’t delve deeply into
subcategories.
o
7 Charting Method
o The charting method involves dividing your notes into columns and
rows, much like an Excel spreadsheet. Each column represents a
category (e.g., key concepts, dates, statistics), and each row
contains summarized information related to a specific topic.
o You can use various tools for charting, including Microsoft Excel,
Google Sheets, or even good old pen and paper. Personally, I’ve
used Microsoft Word with a stylus pen for this method.
Subjects Suitable for Charting:
o Charting works well for subjects that have:
1. Factual and/or statistical information: When you need to
organize data, numbers, or facts, charting shines.
2. Subtopics that are directly comparable: If you’re
comparing different aspects or ideas, charting helps you see
relationships clearly.
3. Information that can be compartmentalized: Think of it
as creating neat little boxes for different chunks of knowledge.
Advantages of Charting:
o Organization: It’s systematic and efficient. You’ll have a neat
structure that makes reviewing and finding key points a breeze.
o Visual Clarity: The charting method helps you understand
material visually. It’s particularly effective for tracking important
details (like dates or numbers) that might get lost in other note-
taking forms.
o Time-Saving: By condensing information into tables, you reduce
the amount of writing needed to organize it.
Disadvantages:
o Learning Curve: Initially, you’ll need to get the hang of creating
and maintaining the chart. Figuring out the right categories and
layout might take some practice.
o Not Universally Applicable: While it’s great for certain subjects,
charting won’t work for everything. Complex equations or intricate
interrelationships between concepts might not fit neatly into tables.