Note-Taking Tips
The large amounts of information you’re presented with during lectures and in your curriculum can be processed and organised using note-taking techniques. Finding a method that works for you can help you remember the material better, especially when studying for your exams.
We’ve found three note-taking methods for you to try, and hopefully, you’ll find one that suits you.
The Cornell Method
This note-taking technique encourages you to pause and process what you’ve just taken in.
- Divide the paper into sections
- Prepare your note-taking by dividing the page in front of you into three sections: a large section for your main notes, a small side column for questions or keywords, and a box at the bottom for a summary.
- This structure helps you keep track of information clearly and logistically.
- Take notes
- While listening to a lecture or reading a text, jot down your notes in the large section. Keep it as brief as possible.
- Review and reflect
- As soon as possible after taking your notes, add keywords and questions to the side column to
- reflect on the material you’ve just read or heard.
- Finally, write a summary in your own words at the bottom of the page. Use the questions and keywords you’ve written in the side column.
Reviewing your keywords and the summary regularly makes remembering what you’ve learnt easier.
Rapid note-taking
With the rapid note-taking technique, you read or listen first, then take notes. The benefit of this method is that you’re writing the notes in your own words.
- Once you’ve read or listened, set a timer for about 10 minutes.
- Write down everything you can remember – don’t worry about punctuation or spelling errors. The goal is to jot everything down as quickly as possible.
This helps your brain sort the information for you, so you save the most essential points.
The outline note-taking method
The benefit of the outline note-taking method is that your notes are organised in a logical sequence, making them easy to navigate. You’ll get a clear overview of what you’re learning – and it’s easy to see what matters most and what’s just extra detail.
- Start by writing down what the main topic is.
- Add subtopics as you take notes, indenting them slightly so you can see what’s a central topic and what’s a subtopic
- Under each subtopic, add bullet points with further details. Keep the sentences short so your notes are easy to review
- When there’s a new central topic, write a new heading and add new subtopics and details
The hierarchical structure makes it easier to review your notes later, as you can quickly find the key points and see how they relate to each other.
Should you take notes by hand or on a computer?
Research shows that your brain activity is higher when you take notes by hand, and this extra brain activity plays a role in how much information your brain stores. On the other hand, it’s easier to search through your notes when they are stored on your computer.
Whether you take notes by hand or on a computer, the important thing is that you actively reflect on what you’re reading or hearing. It’s also essential that you rephrase the content in your own words as much as possible.