Note-Making Methods
Note-making is one of the most powerful tools for learning. It is not just about writing down
what the teacher says or copying from the textbook; it’s about processing information,
organizing it, and making it easier to remember and revise later. Different methods suit
different subjects and learning styles. Below are some of the most effective note-making
methods explained in detail.
---
1. The Cornell Method
The Cornell system divides your page into three sections:
Notes Section: Write down main points during lectures or while reading.
Cue Column: On the left side, write keywords or possible questions.
Summary: At the bottom, write a short summary of the page.
Why it works:
Organizes content neatly.
Makes self-testing easy (cover the notes and quiz yourself using cues).
Saves time during revision.
Example: If you are studying Psychology, the “Notes” could be about Freud’s Psychoanalytic
Theory, the “Cue Column” could say “Id, Ego, Superego,” and the “Summary” could be
“Theory of personality structure.”
---
2. Mind Mapping
A mind map is a visual diagram with the main idea in the center and branches for subtopics.
Steps:
1. Write the central idea (e.g., “Memory”).
2. Draw branches for subtopics (e.g., Short-term, Long-term, Working Memory).
3. Add keywords, images, or colors to make it engaging.
Why it works:
Great for visual learners.
Shows relationships between ideas.
Helps in essay planning and brainstorming.
Example: For English Literature, the central circle could be “Hamlet,” with branches like
“Characters,” “Themes,” “Symbols,” and “Important Quotes.”
---
3. The Outline Method
This method uses bullet points and indentation to organize information in a structured way.
Format:
Main Topic
Subtopic 1
Detail A
Detail B
Subtopic 2
Why it works:
Best for hierarchical subjects.
Easy to revise because everything flows logically.
Useful for subjects like Sociology, where theories and sub-theories are connected.
---
4. The Charting Method
Here, you create a table or chart to compare different ideas, events, or theories side by side.
Example (Psychology Theories):
TheoryKey Idea Strengths Weaknesses
Behaviorism Behavior learned by env. SimpleIgnores mind
Psychoanalysis Unconscious mind drives Deep Not testable
Why it works:
Excellent for comparison-based learning.
Makes differences and similarities clear.
Very helpful in exam answers where evaluation is required.
---
5. The Flow Method
This method is less structured — you write notes as ideas flow naturally, connecting them
with arrows, doodles, or quick links.
Why it works:
Great for lectures where information comes fast.
Helps with creativity and personal understanding.
Works well for brainstorming essays or projects.
---
Tips for Better Note-Making
Use Abbreviations & Symbols: Saves time (e.g., “w/” for with, “→” for leads to).
Keep Notes Organized: Use headings, underlining, and numbering.
Add Color Coding: Highlight definitions in one color, examples in another.
Review Regularly: Notes are useful only if you revise them.
Keep it Short: Don’t copy entire paragraphs; focus on keywords.
---
Choosing the Right Method
For lectures: Cornell or Flow notes work best.
For concept-heavy subjects: Mind Maps and Outlines are useful.
For comparison-based subjects: Charting is the most effective.
For essay-based subjects: Mind Maps and Outlines help organize ideas.
---
Conclusion
Note-making is not about writing everything but about capturing the essence of the topic.
The method you choose depends on the subject, your learning style, and the purpose of
your study. By combining different techniques — Cornell for lectures, Mind Maps for essays,
Charting for comparisons — you can create notes that are powerful, easy to revise, and
tailored to your needs.
The key is to practice and experiment. Over time, you’ll find your personal style of
note-making that saves time, boosts memory, and makes studying much more effective.
