Quick answer
The five most useful note-taking methods are the Cornell method, the outline method, mind mapping, the charting method and the sentence method. Choose based on the subject: outlines for structured lectures, mind maps for connecting ideas, charts for comparisons, and Cornell notes for revision.
Notes are not just a record of what the teacher said. The act of choosing, summarising and organising information is what helps you understand and remember it. The method you use makes that process easier.
1. The Cornell method
Developed at Cornell University in the 1950s, this method divides a page into three parts: a wide right column for notes, a narrow left column for keywords and questions, and a summary box at the bottom. After class, write questions in the left column and a short summary at the bottom. Later, cover the notes and test yourself using the questions.
Best for: revision and self-testing in almost any subject.
2. The outline method
Write main topics on the left, with subtopics and details indented below them. This creates a clear hierarchy of ideas.
Best for: well-structured lectures and textbook chapters, such as history or law.
3. Mind mapping
Start with the main topic in the centre of the page and draw branches for related ideas, with smaller branches for details. Colours and small drawings help you remember.
Best for: brainstorming, essay planning and subjects where ideas connect in many ways, such as biology or economics.
4. The charting method
Create a table with columns for categories, such as “cause”, “effect” and “example”, and fill in the rows as you learn.
Best for: comparisons and facts-heavy topics, such as comparing freedom movements, chemical elements or constitutional articles.
5. The sentence method
Write each new idea as a short, numbered sentence. It is simple and quick, though less organised.
Best for: fast-paced lectures where you cannot see the structure yet. Reorganise the notes later.
Handwriting or laptop?
A widely cited 2014 study by researchers Pam Mueller and Daniel Oppenheimer found that students who took notes by hand did better on conceptual questions than those who typed, likely because handwriting forces you to summarise rather than copy word for word. Later studies have shown mixed results, so the key lesson is to process and summarise, whichever tool you use.
Habits that make notes work
- Review within 24 hours. A short review soon after class helps you remember much more.
- Use active recall. Test yourself instead of rereading.
- Space your revision. Revisit notes after a day, a week and a month.
- Write in your own words. Paraphrasing shows you have understood.
- Keep notes organised by date and topic, on paper or in one app.
Frequently asked questions
Which note-taking method is best for exams?
The Cornell method works well for exams because its question column and summary make self-testing and revision easy.
Is it better to take notes by hand or on a laptop?
Research is mixed. Handwriting often encourages summarising, which helps understanding. Whatever you use, write in your own words instead of copying.
How soon should I review my notes?
Review your notes within 24 hours, then again after a few days and a week to remember them better.
Sources and further reading
- Cornell University Learning Strategies Center: The Cornell note-taking system
- Mueller and Oppenheimer (2014), Psychological Science
Featured image: Photo: Phil Slattery / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
