Note-taking Formats
Abbreviations. Before taking notes, create abbreviations so that note taking becomes more efficient. After class review notes and rewrite the abbreviations in long form, which will help with the review and memory process.
The Cornell Method
Divide the pages into three sections, 1) right side is the wider section of the page to take notes during lecture or reading, 2) left side of the page is for writing key ideas while reviewing notes, and 3) bottom section of the page is for writing a summary of the page. For study purposes, students can fold the page lengthwise between the right and left sections and use as a flashcard looking at the key idea and reciting the answer without looking at it.
Divide the pages into three sections, 1) right side is the wider section of the page to take notes during lecture or reading, 2) left side of the page is for writing key ideas while reviewing notes, and 3) bottom section of the page is for writing a summary of the page. For study purposes, students can fold the page lengthwise between the right and left sections and use as a flashcard looking at the key idea and reciting the answer without looking at it.
Concept Mapping
Create circles, squares, or other shapes to record ideas in. Mapping shows relationships among concepts by connecting the main topic (largest shape) to main ideas, which in turn are connected to details and examples. Concept maps are great for organizing ideas and for providing a visual representation of the relationships between the ideas. They are a quicker way to take notes and provide visual imagery for memory. However, they do not offer much room for details, but details can be filled in around the page during review.
Create circles, squares, or other shapes to record ideas in. Mapping shows relationships among concepts by connecting the main topic (largest shape) to main ideas, which in turn are connected to details and examples. Concept maps are great for organizing ideas and for providing a visual representation of the relationships between the ideas. They are a quicker way to take notes and provide visual imagery for memory. However, they do not offer much room for details, but details can be filled in around the page during review.
Charting Method
This is a good method if students can identify categories before lecture. This can be done by reading the textbook chapter ahead of class. Students make a table and label each category, then record information in the appropriate categories during lecture. This is an organized method that makes it easy to recognize patterns.
This is a good method if students can identify categories before lecture. This can be done by reading the textbook chapter ahead of class. Students make a table and label each category, then record information in the appropriate categories during lecture. This is an organized method that makes it easy to recognize patterns.
Charting for Equations works well for Math and Physics as it is easy to set up and it provides good study material. Students do their best to write the problem in the first column, solve each problem in the middle column while writing explanations, key terms, instructions in the third column. If they get stuck on a problem, they need to clarify with the instructor (Downing, 2011, p. 134).
Outline Method
This is a common format of note taking. It is a linear view of the concept map in that it is based on indentation to show the main topic, main ideas and details. When a new idea begins during lecture, add white space or blank lines between topics.
This is a common format of note taking. It is a linear view of the concept map in that it is based on indentation to show the main topic, main ideas and details. When a new idea begins during lecture, add white space or blank lines between topics.