12 Dec 👉😊Best Ways to Take Notes😊👈
5 Best Ways to Take Notes
5 Best Ways to Take Notes in Any Class
Taking multiple classes a day five to six times a week means that students get fed an overwhelming amount of information. However, we can’t trust our brain to remember everything all on its own. According to the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve, your brain will have already forgotten more than half of the new information you learned within 24 hours of leaving class, which means that if you’re not taking notes, you’re less likely to retain a lot of important information.
If you’re looking to sharpen your note-taking skills, here are the 5 best ways to take notes.
- Cornell Note-Taking Method
As its name suggests, the Cornell note-taking method was first developed by a Cornell University professor. It’s a straightforward approach to note-taking that requires little to no preparation. Please read our blog, The Cornell Note-Taking Method: How to Take Great Notes in Any Class, to know more.
- The Charting Method
If you’re studying for a class that requires you to learn and memorize straightforward facts, such as dates, statistics, then the charting method is one of the most effective ways to take notes. By creating columns or a table, you can highlight and easily spot pertinent information by jotting them down under specific categories. For example, when studying historical events, you can create columns for the date, description of the event, the key figures involved, and its significance.
- The Mapping Method
The mapping method is best for visual learners when studying content-heavy subject matters. This technique starts by writing the main topic in the center of the page and branching it out into smaller elements. This allows learners to break down general ideas into subtopics, supporting concepts, and key points. This type of note-taking makes it easier for students to see the connection between the subtopics and get a more precise overview of the main subject.
- The Sentence Method
The sentence method simply involves jotting down as much information as you can from the source and numbering them. Its simplicity makes it the go-to technique for most students, but it’s also arguably the least effective. The sentence method is essentially transcription, which means an individual must have quick handwriting or typing skills, or they’re going to miss out on a lot of key details. It is also difficult to review notes taken using this method as they don’t show how each topic or information is related. This type of note-taking method is best used in classes wherein topics are unstructured or not something a student was prepared for. Discover how writing down improves memory.
- The Outlining Method
Finally, the outlining method is a favorite among college students because of how easily it lets students organize information in a structured form that can be easily reviewed and understood. As its name implies, the outlining method requires a student to identify the main topics and use bullets, numbers, or letters to list down their subtopics and other key points. A student must have a prior understanding or background of the topic to determine its main points. This type of note-taking method is ideal for classes with structured lessons.
We also recommend trying Glean’s note taking solution. It records audio notes so you can capture and learn information more effectively.
Read more blog posts:
- Cornell Note-Taking Methods
- Working Memory Short Term Memory Strategies
- 3 Tips For Brainstorming The Right Way
Handouts:
⏩5 Best Ways to Take Notes⏪
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Craig Selinger
Owner at Themba Tutors
Meet Craig Selinger, the passionate owner behind Themba Tutors, a renowned practice specializing in executive function coaching and tutoring. Together with his team of multidisciplinary professionals, they bring their extensive knowledge to numerous locations: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, as well as offering remote services. As a licensed speech-language pathologist in the state of NY, executive functioning coach, and educational specialist with an impressive track record spanning over two decades, Craig has professionally assisted thousands of families. Craig's proficiency encompasses a wide spectrum of areas, including language-related learning challenges such as reading, writing, speaking, and listening. He is also well-versed in executive functioning, ADHD/ADD, and various learning disabilities. What truly distinguishes Craig and his team is their unwavering commitment to delivering comprehensive support. By actively collaborating with the most esteemed professionals within the NYC metropolitan region – from neuropsychologists to mental health therapists and allied health experts – they create a network of expertise.
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