
It can be difficult to correctly include all relationships,īest for: Quick, unstructured note-taking.It cannot be used effectively during class,.Requires a good understanding of the topic,.Reviewing mapped notes is very efficient.It helps you understand the connections between small elements within a major topic,.It gives a comprehensive overview of a large subject,.An excellent method for visual learning styles,.However, taking notes in a live class with this method is very rarely possible due to its time-consuming nature. Mapping is best used in content-rich college classes where the information is structured. The method provides a one-of-a-kind graphical overview of lecture content that is irreplaceable for visual learners. The mapping method starts with a central topic in the middle of the page before branching into smaller subtopics, supporting topics, and more minor details. Both Leonardo Da Vinci’s and Albert Einstein’s notebooks reportedly contained mapping-style notes that connected drawings to words and notes. The mapping method of note-taking, also known as “concept mapping,” connects different thoughts, ideas, concepts, and facts through visualization. Requires a basic understanding of the topic,īest for: Analyzing visual connections between key ideas and concepts.

Very efficient for studying comparisons.Charted notes are straightforward and efficient to review,.Reduces note sizes better than any other method,.Easy comparisons between different topics,.A compelling method for subjects with lots of facts and statistics,.It’s also not well-suited for subjects that have many equation-based problems. On the other hand, it’s not suitable for note-taking during live lectures, very detailed topics, and subjects where the space relationships between content are essential. This method is best used with subjects with factual or statistical information that can be categorized into tables. While the method is not usable for many subjects, it is a remarkable tool under the right circumstances. The charting method of note-taking, also known as “matrix note-taking,” uses charts to classify information within rows and columns. Try the split-page method if you are finding the Cornell method a bit too restrictive but you like the basic approach of cues or keywords combined with more detailed notes. The Cornell method is a variant of the split-page note-taking method (also known as the two-column method). Research on the Cornell method is mixed.Not great at reducing the size of notes,.Large quantities of Cornell notes can be challenging to organize,.Requires creating or purchasing Cornell-style pages,.Ideal for extracting major concepts and ideas.Fulfills a natural learning cycle within one single page,.Suitable for most subjects (except equation-based subjects),.Taking Cornell notes is very easy to learn,.Time-efficient and requires little effort,.Organized and systematic for both recording and reviewing notes.The Cornell system is one of the most popular note-taking strategies in the world for a good reason. By mastering the Cornell system, you’ll always have at least one solid note-taking skill under your belt.

The method is versatile, usable for most subjects, and one of the simplest yet most effective note-taking methods. It uses two top columns (the “cue” and “note” columns), together with a single bottom row (the summary section), to record notes. The Cornell note-taking method, developed over half a century ago, is a tried-and-true strategy for taking effective notes.

Best for: Most subjects except science classes such as physics or math
