5 efficient note-taking methods
If your class notes are unclear at first glance, you're not going to get much use out of them. This has nothing to do with how neat your handwriting is — it's all about how your notes are structured. One of the most effective ways to remember and understand what you are learning in class is to take effective notes in the classroom. Here are five methods that can help you.
OUTLININE METHOD
The outlining note-taking method uses headings and bullet points to organise topics. It is most useful when learning about topics that include a lot of detail. Outlining allows your notes to be neatly organised. It is also easy to see the relationship between topics and subtopics, and turn points into study questions.
MIND MAPPING METHOD
Mind mapping is a visual way to organise your class notes. This technique is useful when learning about relationships between topics. You begin the map with the main topic, and then branch off it by writing headings for each of the subtopics. Write any important details under each subtopic, and continue the pattern.
FLOW NOTES METHOD
Flow notes involve jotting down topics, then drawing arrows, doodles, diagrams, and graphs for a broader view. Similar to mind maps, they are most useful when simplifying complex topics and connecting the dots, especially during revisions.
GOING DIGITAL
Many apps now come in handy when recording your notes, and linking them to books and resources suggested on the internet. These apps allow you to copy texts and add images and graphs while scribbling down important points. With apps like Evernotes, Notability and Microsoft OneNote, effective note-taking is just a click away.
BOXING METHOD
For this method, all related notes are grouped together in a box. A dedicated box is assigned to each section of notes, which cuts down the time needed for reading and reviewing. Digital note-taking apps are more helpful in this regard, as the content on the pages can be reordered or resized subsequently. This way, you can just write down notes as you would normally do, and then reorder and assign them to particular boxes.
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