Top 5 Effective Note-taking Methods for Academic Achievement

Benjamin Fernandes
technology-insider
Published in
5 min readJan 12, 2024

Boost your note-making skills with expert strategies and techniques. Learn how to capture information effectively as a learner.

When it comes to learning and remembering information, actively taking notes has proved to be far more effective than passively reading the handout later on. Note-taking is a valuable skill most of us learn as kids and take with us into every meeting room, boardroom, and important conference throughout our lives.

Finding the most effective note-taking methods can be a lifelong process and a personal pursuit for many. However, there are a few proven and best note-taking techniques that will help you retain information efficiently and effectively.

Apart from the top note-taking apps for iPads and other devices, there are many other note-taking methods for students and professionals. In this guide, we will discuss 5 effective note-taking methods for students and working professionals. We will also detail the ways to implement them successfully and give expert tips to utilize them to their fullest potential.

  1. The Outline Method

The outline is one of the most intuitive and quick note-taking techniques. With this method, you can turn all the important information into a logical flow for better presentation and understanding. It creates a hierarchy of information and ensures that the notes are properly organized.

It has proved to be among the most effective note-taking methods, which can be used for both by-hand and digital note-taking methods. Some key points that you should consider while using the Outline Method are listed below.

  1. Highlight the main topics on the left side of the page
  2. Add subtopics below each heading on the right side of the page
  3. Detail all the information below the subtopics with supporting facts and other notes

2. The Cornell Method

The Cornell Method was designed for students by Cornell professor Walter Pauk. It is considered the best note-taking method as it is extremely simple to learn and adapt to. Under this method, students can divide their pages into two columns.

The column on the right will have all the notes taken during the class. The left column can be used as the Cue column for writing review questions after the class. Additionally, you can also leave some space below to summarize the points.

Here’s how you can put this best note-taking technique to use,

  1. Divide your page into 2 equal columns
  2. Leave the bottom of the page for writing summaries
  3. Use the left column to write cue keywords and questions for your notes
  4. Summarize the entire section for quick revision or reference

3. The Boxing Method

The boxing method is considered among the best note-taking techniques for visual-dominant leaders. It allows users to see how notes are connected and flow from each other. This method can also be used for taking notes digitally. Follow the below-mentioned steps to use this simple and best method for taking notes.

  1. Divide the page into two equal columns
  2. Add a header for each topic and expand on the idea below
  3. After completing the notes, draw a box around the entire note

4. The Charting Method

The Charting Method for taking notes is a well-organized strategy for managing and contrasting large amounts of information. It is one of the most effective note-taking methods for disciplines that require a grasp of data linkages and differences, such as economics, history, and science. To use this note-taking practice, follow the steps mentioned below.

  1. Determine the topics of your lecture
  2. Divide the entire page into multiple columns
  3. Record all the notes under the applicable keywords

5. The Mapping Method

The Mapping Method is the best out of the 5 methods of note-taking. It uses diagrams to organize and connect information visually. It is the best method to take notes and is particularly beneficial for those who learn best through visual aids and is effective in subjects requiring an understanding of concept interrelationships.

Here’s how you can put the mapping method to use.

  1. Write the topic at the top
  2. Create a branch for each subtopic
  3. Divide the subtopics further below
  4. Add relevant notes under each subtopic

Key Takeaway

The examination of different note-taking techniques should be viewed as an opportunity to personalize one’s learning experience. There is no universal solution for taking notes. While some people prefer visual aids like mind mapping for taking notes, others prefer structured systems like the Cornell method.

The goal is to experiment with all 5 methods of note-taking, evaluate their success, and then adapt them to meet one’s individual academic or professional needs. The most effective note-taking method is one that works flawlessly with your cognitive processes, improves your capacity to process and recall information, and fits easily into your everyday routine.

By taking a flexible approach and being willing to adapt your approaches as needed, you may optimize the benefits of your preferred note-taking methods and pave the road for scholastic and professional success.

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Benjamin Fernandes
technology-insider

Follow me for insightful explorations into the fast-paced realm of technology, and let's embark on a journey to decode the digital evolution.