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How To Take Study Notes: 5 Effective Note Taking Methods
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The Cornell Method
Divide your paper into three sections: a 2.5” margin to the left, a 2” summary section on the bottom, and a main 6” section.
- The main 6" section is used for note-taking during class.
- The 2.5" margin to the left is the cues section. Use this space to write down ideas you'll need to remember. Add a prompt for each. Include vocabulary words and study questions here.
- The 2" summary section at the bottom is where you'll highlight the main points.
The advantages of this method are notes that are neatly organized and summarized.
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The Mapping Method
The page is organized by topic. While in class, start with the main topic. Branch off and write a heading for each of the subtopics. Add important notes underneath each subtopic.
This method is useful for visual learners. It helps you understand the relationships between topics.
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The Outlining Method
Use headings and bullet points with supporting facts.
- During a lesson, begin your notes with a bullet point for the main topic.
- The first subtopic is placed below and indented slightly to the right.
- Jot down the details below your heading and slightly to the right.
This method is useful when a topic includes a lot of detail.
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The Charting Method
Divide the page into 3 columns and label each column by category. Fill the details of each category in the rows below.
This method is useful for lessons that cover a lot of facts or relationships between topics.
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The Sentence Method
This method involves jotting down important information on each topic. Each line on the page is a separate topic. Use headings for each main topic.
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SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
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Key Ideas
Note Taking - Starter Tips
Preparation steps before a note-taking session:
- Try to get familiar with the topic that is going to be discussed, beforehand. This leads to better understanding.
- M...
Outline Method
Taking a structured approach to note-taking is the best way. Put the outline notes by choosing four or five key points of the lecture, followed by in-depth sub-points. One way to review is to use the Cornell Method, which divides the note sheet into three sections:
- Cues: It includes key questions and main points.
- Notes: Which you write during the class using the outline method.
- Summary: Which you can write after class while reviewing.
The Mind Map
The mind map is a visual diagram of abstract concepts.
It works best in subjects like chemistry, history and philosophy, subjects having a neural network like interlocked and complex topics.
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Key Ideas
The Outline/List
Is a linear method of taking notes that proceeds down the page, using indentation or bullets to denote major and minor points.
Pros: it records content relationship in a way tha...
The Sentence Method
The goal is to jot down your thoughts as quickly as possible. Format is kept to a minimum: every new thought is written on a new line.
Pros: Is like free writing for notes.
Cons: lack organization and notes can be hard to understand.
Works for: meetings or lectures that lack organization; when information is presented very quickly.
SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review)
- Skim the material for bolded text, images, summaries, to produce a list of headlines;
- Each headline is then written in the form of a question;
- Record your “answers” to the reading questions under each corresponding header;
- Once you’ve finished reading the text, write a summary of the material from memory—this is the “recite” part of the process.
- Finally, review your notes to make sure you’ve completely grasped the concepts.
Works for: dense written material.
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Key Ideas
The Outline method
It requires you to structure your notes in form of an outline by using bullet points to represent different topics and their subtopics.
Start writing main topics on the far left ...
The Cornell Method
- The page is divided into 3 or 4 sections (top for title and, bottom for summary, 2 columns in the center).
- 30% of width should be kept in the left column while the remaining 70% for the right column.
- All notes go into the main note-taking column.
- The smaller column on the left side is for comments, questions or hints about the actual notes.
The Boxing Method
All notes that are related to each other are grouped together in a box.
A dedicated box is assigned for each section of notes which cuts down the time needed for reading and reviewing.
Apps are especially helpful for this method because content on the page can be reordered or resized subsequently.