The best NOTE-TAKING Methods for PERFECT Grades

Did you know that we only absorb 17-25% of the information we listen to during class? Taking effective notes is one of the most important strategies necessary to ace a class. If you only absorb a quarter of the information you learn, you have to rely on your notes to give you the rest. However, not every note-taking method is equally as efficient. The best notes make it easier to understand and revise the material you learned.

If you've ever seen that student- the one with the perfectly organized, color-coded notes, chances are their grades are perfect too. The quality of our notes affects how our brains understand and retain information. If you know the correct method of note-taking for your learning style, your grades will display immediate improvement. Once you finish reading this guide and implement these strategies, we promise that one quick glance over your future notes will guarantee you an A-plus!

1. THREE-SECTION method

Taking inspiration from the Cornell method, one of the easiest note-taking methods out there is the three-section method. The idea is to split your piece of paper into three sections and designate each one a specific goal. This will keep you from copying down chaotic notes all over your notebook paper. Each part of the three-section method has to be completed at a particular time. One during class, one immediately after class, and one a little later on.

1. The first section is called the ALL NOTES section. You should complete this section during class. Here you can include everything you hear during class without filtering anything out. Write to your heart's content- this section is there to get all of your thoughts and information down.

2. The second section is called the MAIN POINTS section. You should complete this section immediately after class. This is where you take your notes during class and summarize them into main ideas. You can include vocabulary words and questions that may have occurred during the lesson.

3. The third section is called the SUMMARY. You can complete this section anytime you are looking over your notes. This is where you officially write everything you have learned in class. However, make sure to keep it clear and concise. Highlight the most important information you learned. One glance over the summary should tell you everything you need to know to ace the impending exam.

Here is a quick layout of the three-section method:

2. CHART Method

The chart note-taking method is best for subjects that require factual information and are easily categorized. This method allows you to compare information and is very efficient for review. Using the chart note method, you can sort out the main topics you learned. Though it is very time-consuming, it is the best method while reviewing, as it makes information easy to remember.

To create this layout, you must do the following:

1. Create a chart with a set number of columns and rows. This allows you to visualize your topics and is best for comparing and contrasting different information. The best part about the chart note-taking method is that it condenses your notes and makes them as minimal as possible.

2. Create your topics and categories. For the second step of this strategy, you must list every topic you have reviewed and ways to categorize it. For example, if you learned about ways to write an essay, list each way. Your categories might include word count, format, and overall notes.

3. Fill out your chart will all of the information. The final step is to fill out your chart! Go through individual categories until your paper is complete.

Remember that the chart method only works when your information can be sorted into a table. Here is a quick layout of the chart method:

3. MAP Method

The map method is the best note-taking method for visualization. You begin the map method by writing your main topic at the center of the paper. Then, you create branches that lead to smaller topics and details. If your information is structured, mapping it is the best choice. Mapping allows you to understand the connections between details in a lesson. Reviewing map notes will give you a clear understanding of the topic.

Creating a mapping layout is very simple.

1. Start with your MAIN TOPIC at the center of the page. This is the base that will eventually lead to in-depth notes.

2. Create smaller SUBTOPICS that fit into the main topic. These will be the factors that branch off of the main topic.

3. Create SUPPORTING DETAILS to fit into your subtopics. These describe your subtopics thoroughly and give you a better understanding of the lesson overall.

Mapping is very efficient in organizing key ideas. However, it is difficult to use during a spoken lesson, as it is fairly time-consuming. Here is a quick layout of the map method:

Next time you are taking notes for class, remember that the quality of your notes reflects who you are as a student. Based on the kind of learner you are, auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, figure out what method of note-taking suits you best. Once you have grown out of scribbling random notes on a page, you will find that organized notes are a lifesaver while studying for every class.

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