Introduction
With a new academic year, new challenges are inevitable. Generally speaking, there's always a "gap" that you must overcome academically from one year to the next. Overcoming that "gap" requires you to consider new, efficient studying methods to be successful. A common studying technique used by students all around the globe is note-taking. 🌻
The note-taking technique is known for allowing students to summarize critical information for assessments. But did you know there are many different types of note-taking methods? You have likely only been exposed to one or two in your academic career. Within this blog, I've accumulated 5 of the most popular note-taking methods for you!✨
🔍 Explore and find the one that suits you best :)
1. The Cornell Method
📌 The most popular note-taking form of all—the Cornell method. The Cornell technique is a systematic method that allows you to organize your information cleverly.
Essentially, you divide your page into three sub-sections: notes, questions and summary. Check out the template linked below:
🎯 How does it work? Here's a step-by-step process:
Title the notes (optional)
Organize your information in the "Notes" section
Distinguish critical topics from your organized notes and create questions to test your knowledge
Write the questions down in the "Questions" section adjacent to relevant notes.
In the "Summary" section, summarize the keynotes of the page
Review using the questions to recall information in your notes
And that's it!
2. The Mindmap Method
This note-taking technique is perfect for visual learners that require something a little more creative to learn! 🖌
How does it work? Pretty simply, actually!
At the center of your paper, write down the topic of the notes.
Mind map key sub-topics from the topic in the middle.
Mind map again! This time, mind map key details from the sub-topics!
I've created a visual to help you out:
It's the perfect visual note-taking method 🙈
3. The Digital Method
Given societal advancements towards a digital world, it's natural that students explore the world of digital note-taking! 🌍
Digital note-taking is perfect for individuals looking to be as time-efficient as possible. Why? This method allows you to highlight text easily, emphasize concepts in bold and italics and, of course, delete mistakes. You can also choose to type or handwrite your text, as well!
And the best part is...
It’s better for the environment!
Digital note-taking eliminates the need for pencils, pens, lined paper, binders, etc. A lot of your typical school supplies aren't needed for this technique.
💡However, it is essential that you organize your notes, too! Here are some platform suggestions for note-taking!
Notion
Google Docs + Drive
Word Docs + Computer Folders
Notes App
Goodnotes
4. The Chart Method
This method is quite simple! It is perfect for those that love systematic studying. What does that mean? If you enjoy memorizing + learning material by organizing information into a chart system, this method is ideal for you! 💫
All you have to do is categorize the information into charts. Here are a few ideas on how you can organize the material:
Is the material vocabulary heavy? Use one column for vocabulary and another for its definition!
Does the material require you to compare and contrast similar concepts? Create a chart with columns that help you differentiate the concepts!
Have you been asked to analyze information or a topic? Consider creating a pros and cons chart!
There's a lot of flexibility with this method: how you choose to organize your chart is entirely up to you. 🧸
5. The Slides Method
The slides method is the most convenient and efficient of all! Why? It essentially just requires you to attend your classes and be attentive.
Here’s how it works!
Print out the slides for the class
Preview the slides before class begins
During class, write notes on your slides. These notes are based on the teacher's explanations for concepts within the slides. Do not repeat information already in the slides!
This method is perfect for those that are constantly facing time pressure! You can utilize this method along with another technique mentioned above as well. For instance, you can use the slides method during class and then transfer all the information on your slides into your notebook using the Cornell method. It is pretty versatile! 📣
I hope this blog helped you find what works best for you <3 Good luck with your studies! You got this! ♥️
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