Note-Taking Methods That Work

Good notes are the foundation of good grades. The act of taking notes forces you to process information in real time, and well-organized notes become an invaluable resource when you need to review before an exam. But not all note-taking methods are created equal. Here are the systems that research and experience have shown to work best.

The Cornell Method

Developed by Professor Walter Pauk at Cornell University in the 1950s, this method divides your page into three sections. The left column is for cues and questions. The right column is for notes. The bottom section is for a brief summary. During a lecture, you write your notes in the right column. After the lecture, you write key terms and questions in the left column. Finally, you write a summary at the bottom that captures the main idea of the page.

The power of the Cornell method comes from the review process. When studying, you can cover the right column and use the left column cues to test yourself. This turns passive notes into an active recall tool.

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping starts with a central concept in the middle of the page and branches out to related ideas. Each branch can have sub-branches, creating a visual representation of how concepts connect. This method works especially well for subjects with lots of interconnected ideas, like biology, history, or literature.

The Outline Method

The outline method uses a hierarchical structure with main topics, subtopics, and supporting details. It is simple, organized, and works well for lectures that follow a clear structure. The limitation is that it can be hard to keep up with fast-paced lectures.

Digital vs. Handwritten

Research found that students who took notes by hand performed better on conceptual questions than those who used laptops. The likely reason is that handwriting is slower, so students are forced to process and summarize information rather than transcribe it verbatim.

A hybrid approach often works best: take notes by hand during lectures for better processing, then type them up afterward. Use our Word Counter to track your notes length.

What Makes Notes Effective

Regardless of which method you choose, effective notes share certain qualities. They capture the main ideas without trying to record every word. They use your own words rather than copying the textbook. They include examples, diagrams, and connections to other concepts. And they are reviewed regularly, not just before exams.

The best note-taking system is the one you will actually use consistently. Experiment with different methods for different classes, and stick with what works for you.