Note-Taking – Important Methods, Apps and Advantages

Note-taking is defined as one of the best ways to write down information that you consider necessary to go back, revise, and recall the subject effectually. It is not about jotting anything anyway but a process that helps to write down core concepts in a summary form for future use.

Important Note-Taking Methods

Some important note-taking methods are as follows-

1. The Outline Method

This method of taking notes is mostly used in schools, colleges, and meetings. It helps to organize the notes and thoughts in a logical, structured, and systematic manner to save time later on.

The page layout of the Outline Method includes outlines and bullet points to indicate topics as well as subtopics. The main topic is written on the extreme left and subtopics in the form of the bullet with the help of indents. The advantages of this method are as follows-

1. The notes are structured and easy to read
2. It is easy to use
3. Key points are highlighted in a logical way
4. Minimizes editing and review time

The disadvantages of this method are as follows-

1. Is not useful for subjects that include charts and formulas to express themselves like mathematics
2. Is not effective if the proper structure is not followed

2. The Cornell Note-Taking Method

It is one of the most common methods of taking notes that are highly popular because of its page layout. The page is divided into three to four sections. There is one row at the top for date and title, two columns in the center, and one at the bottom.

70% width is kept for the right column and 30% for the left column. The writer has to write all the notes in the main column and use the left side for hints, questions, comments, etc.

When the lecture is complete, take a few seconds to gather yourself and write down the summary of the main ideas in the bottom section. This is very important as it will help to recall the information very easily. The Cornell Method is considered best for taking notes during lectures and business meetings. The advantages of this method are as follows-

1. Assist in finding the main ideas easily
2. Is one of the fastest ways to take, organize and review the notes
3. Helps to summarize information in a systematic way
4. Helps to absorb information quickly

The disadvantages of this method are as follows-

1. The page layout is precise and needs to be prepared before the lecture
2. It takes some time to summarize and review the essential concepts

3.The Boxing Method of Note-Taking

It is called The Boxing Method, as all the related notes are grouped in a box. The page layout includes a dedicated box for every section of the notes. The content on the page can easily be reordered afterward.

It works best in a class or during a session, which has various sections related to one another. The advantages of this method are as follows-

1. Notes can be organized in the form of boxes
2. It is easy to put your onus on one box at a time
3. It is easy to learn the relation between notes visually
4. The method is best for techno-savvy people who wants to take notes on an iPad

The disadvantages of this method are as follows-

1. This method is not considered suitable for all the lecture types
2. Lack of an overall topic works against it
3. Is considered time-consuming as needs additional time to group the notes in the middle or at the end of the lecture

4. The Mapping Method of Note-Taking

This type of taking notes works best if the content is intense and heavy, and the writer needs to organize it in an accessible and structured format. The Mapping Method helps to organize notes by dividing the content into branches and establish a relationship between the topics.

The page layout includes the main topic at the top and sub-topics on the left and right as you go down. The advantages of this method are as follows-

1. It helps to edit the notes easily
2. It is considered visually beautiful
3. Helps to jot down details information in a concise and structured manner

The disadvantages of this method are as follows-

1. The writer can run out of space on a single page
2. Will prove confusing if the information is wrongly placed

5. The Charting Method of Note-Taking

The Charting Method is considered useful for taking notes if the information is in the form of statistics and facts that has to be learned by heart. The page layout includes several columns like a spreadsheet where each one denotes a category so that the rows can be compared easily.

This is the preferred medium of taking notes in colleges where the content is heavy. The advantages of this method are as follows-

1. All the information is structured
2. The review and editing time is cut down
3. It is easy to compare notes
4. The information can be memorized easily and quickly

The disadvantages of this method are as follows-

1. Is considered a time-consuming process
2. If the content is not clear beforehand, then the method will not be useful or effective for taking notes
3. Is not applicable if the information cannot be categorized

Apps and Tools for Note-Taking

Besides the traditional methods, there are also various robust and competitive apps and tools that aid in taking notes. These are technologically advanced and have proved helpful in capturing the necessary notes.

The preference for computer-based apps for taking notes is on the rise and is proving an indispensable tool to innumerable students.

Some of the apps are free as the institutions have a tie-up scheme that allows them to use it for free, whereas others require monthly fees. Essential features of the apps are

1. A simple platform for taking notes
2. A sophisticated platform for taking notes
3. The option of recording lectures
4. Synching information to any device

The disadvantage of apps and related tools for taking notes is that the student does not listen actively to the lecture anymore as he is sure that all the important information will be available to him. The use of a computer or laptop can prove a distraction as it might tempt the learner to check other unrelated sites at one time or another.

Suggestions for the Right Way of Note-Taking Strategies

Some important suggestions for note-taking strategies that can help a student while taking notes are

1. If possible, use both diagrams as well as words while taking notes as it will make the information interesting when you come back for reviewing and referring
2. After writing down the notes, try to read them at least once as soon as possible. This will help you to commit them to memory quite easily
3. It is important to organize and fill the notes in a structured form. Make sure you keep them in a safe place because losing them due to negligence will prove harmful for your studies
4. Try to read the notes once again within the first twenty-four hours for further commitment
5. Writing notes in a logical and structured form is a life skill that will benefit the individual all his life. Stay calm and find the best possible method for taking notes that you can understand and review easily

Advantages

The advantages of taking notes are-

1. Taking notes keeps the learner‘s focus on the job at hand. As he has to pay continuous attention, the chances of his mind wandering unnecessarily become slim.
2. Listening to the lecture and deciding what information to include engages the mind and keeps it active. The level of understanding and concentration is also high because of complete focus, and this leads to better memory power
3. It is a proven fact that writing down some information will help an individual to remember it. Taking notes is also like reinforcing what you have heard as the individual commits the information to his memory bank easily.
4. Organized and structured notes are considered very good as it is easy to refer and revise them at any time. These are a reference for future work, and a student needs to go back and revise them in a summary form at important times like examinations when he does not have enough time to go through the whole book.
5. Taking notes helps a person to be concise and well-organized. This ability keeps him in good stead later on when he enters the professional world.
6. Using various methods of taking notes helps an individual in being flexible. He can use any of the methods as per his requirements
7. Using a structured and logical method of taking notes helps a person in boosting his life skills.
8. Taking notes effectively requires developing active listening skills. It also helps to improve concentration and stay away from distractions no matter what
9. Taking notes helps a person to focus on central themes and eliminate information that is not important. He develops the habit of removing unnecessary things from an early life

Conclusion

Note-taking is a transferrable skill that can be applied in everyday life, in studies, and at work. Taking notes is something that we all have done at one time or another. It is one of the most common ways of writing down essential information in a systematic manner. The key is in taking clear and effective notes so that it can prove beneficial later on.

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