SfC Home > Education > Getting Good Grades > Show by Ron Kurtus (updated 28 February 2022) Most students take notes in a lineal fashion, writing down key words or phrases given during the teacher's lecture. Later, they may reorganize the notes in some sort of an outline, grouping together main ideas. A different way of taking notes is by using a graphical outline that allows you to place ideas anywhere and then connect them immediately or even later. This method may not work for everyone or in every class. However, it might be worth a try for those wanting a different approach to note-taking. Questions you may have include:
This lesson will answer those questions. Mote students use a standard method of taking notes in class. An example of standard notes taken from a lecture on the U.S. Civil War is:
Too linear for someSome students may find such notes too linear, such that they don't show the true relationships between items. There are also students who are more artistic and think in terms of 2-dimensional pictures instead of 1-dimensional phrases. These students may find taking notes with a graphical outline a better way to put down the information. It also helps to organize the information for later use or elaboration. Graphical outlineA graphical outline—sometimes called a mind-map—allows you to place the various items or concepts anywhere on the page. They are usually circled with a "balloon" or such, although some students might draw a figure of some sort. You can connect related items with lines between the balloons, either during the lecture or afterwards. Comments can also be added to the connecting lines. An example of notes in a graphical outline is: Sample of a graphical outline from a class lecture Note that the main topic is highlighted and placed in the middle. "Get copy" in the squiggly balloon is a note for the student to get a copy of the address. SummaryMost students take notes writing down key words or phrases given during the teacher's lecture one after another. Later, they may reorganize the notes in some sort of an outline. A different method is by using a graphical outline. This may not work for everyone or in every class, but it might be worth a try for those wanting a different approach to note-taking. Be creative in your learning process Resources and referencesRon Kurtus' Credentials WebsitesGood Grades Resources Books(Notice: The School for Champions may earn commissions from book purchases) Top-rated books on Study Skills Top-rated books on Taking Tests in School Top-rated books on Getting Good Grades Questions and commentsIf you have questions, comments, or opinions on this subject, send an email with your feedback. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Share this pageClick on a button to bookmark or share this page through Twitter, Facebook, email, or other services: Students and researchersThe Web address of this page is: Please include it as a link on your website or as a reference in your report, document, or thesis. Copyright © Restrictions Where are you now?School for Champions
The Cornell method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes without laborious recopying. After writing the notes in the main space, use the left-hand space to label each idea and detail with a key word or "cue." Method: Rule your paper with a 2 _ inch margin on the left leaving a six-inch area on the right in which to make notes. During class, take down information in the six-inch area. When the instructor moves to a new point, skip a few lines. After class, complete phrases and sentences as much as possible. For every significant bit of information, write a cue in the left margin. To review, cover your notes with a card, leaving the cues exposed. Say the cue out loud, then say as much as you can of the material underneath the card. When you have said as much as you can, move the card and see if what you said matches what is written. If you can say it, you know it. Advantages: Organized and systematic for recording and reviewing notes. Easy format for pulling outmajor concept and ideas. Simple and efficient. Saves time and effort. "Do-it-right-in-the-first-place system." Disadvantages: None When to Use: In any lecture situation.
Dash or indented outlining is usually best except for some science classes such as physics or math.
Mapping is a method that uses comprehension/concentration skills and evolves in a note-taking form which relates each fact or idea to every other fact or idea. Mapping is a graphic representation of the content of a lecture. It is a method that maximizes active participation, affords immediate knowledge as to its understanding, and emphasizes critical thinking.
If the lecture format is distinct (such as chronological), you may set up your paper by drawing columns and labeling appropriate headings in a table.
Example 1: A revolution is any occurrence that affects other aspects of life, such as economic life, social life, and so forth. Therefore revolutions cause change. (see page 29 to 30 in your text about this.) Sample Notes: Revolution – occurrence that affects other aspects of life: e.g., econ., socl. Etc. C.f. text, pp. 29-30 Example 2: At first, Freud tried conventional, physical methods of treatment such as giving baths, massages, rest cures, and similar aids. But when these failed he tried techniques of hypnosis that he had seen used by Jean-Martin Charcot. Finally, he borrowed an idea from Jean Breuer and used direct verbal communication to get an unhypnotized patient to reveal unconscious thoughts. Sample Notes: Freud 1st– used phys. trtment; e.g., baths, etc. This fld. 2nd – used hypnosis (fr. Charcot). Finally – used vrb. commun. (fr. Breuer) – got unhpynop, patnt to reveal uncons. thoughts. Retrieved from Harvard Law School.
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