Published on Apr 12, 2025 5 min read

The Ultimate Guide: The 5 Best Note-Taking Methods for Everyone

Are your exams approaching, and are you worried about covering so much of the syllabus in less time? If so, you don't have to be worried because note-taking is a valuable method that gives the topics a structured format so that you can learn and retain all the content and score good grades in your exams. Now the question is, which method is the most effective?

The five note-taking methods are the outline method, the mind mapping method, the charting method, the sentence method, and the Cornell method. These note-taking techniques divide large amounts of information into smaller chunks. If you don't have enough time, you can use digital applications to apply these methods and save time. Keep reading and learn about these note-taking techniques in detail!

The 5 Best Note-Taking Methods for Everyone

The note-taking habit improves your learning and keeps you engaged with information to understand new concepts better. It also makes the revision process quick and smooth. While there are various methods for making notes, finding the best ones that align with your subject is hard. But we have worked on it and brought some beneficial note-taking techniques for you, including the outline, mind mapping, charting, sentence, and finally, the Cornell method. Let's have a look at each one of these:

The Outline Method

The outline method of note-taking is based on a classical hierarchical structure. This method places the main idea at the top, and the other details are below. It then creates an organized flow of data. It is ideal for making lecture notes for subjects like science and history as it breaks down complex topics into simpler points. The notes made this way are structured and easy to study, helping you clear concepts faster and focus on the important points. The templates for this outline method are also available online, making it even easier to make effective notes in less time.

The Mind Mapping Method

Mind mapping is another effective note-taking method in which you write the central topic in the middle and connect the other interrelated concepts. Each branch has further sub-branches with keywords that label each idea or concept. You can add different colors and symbols to make the mind map attractive and easier to learn. This method is ideal for complex and long processes with multiple steps or topics with interconnected ideas. It allows you to split a difficult topic into a free-flowing chart, which you can quickly memorize.

The Charting Method

The charting method of note-taking is ideal for fact- and data-heavy information. You have to make a chart or a diagram representing the connection or relationship between different ideas. The keywords or short phrases summarize important information so that it becomes simple to learn and remember for your exam. First, identify the topics you want to cover, then draw multiple columns, each for one feature like description, pros and cons, and write the important information in the columns.

The Sentence Method of Note-taking

If you are running short on time, the sentence method is the best for your note-taking because it is the simplest. It is also effective for conferences, meetings, and workshops where you must cover much information. Each idea or concept is written as one complete sentence using this method. Write the main topic at the top, then the most important fact or point under it, moving to the next line for each idea. The prominent benefits of this method are that it records the information efficiently and organizes it in chronological order. Also, you can convert to any other method later if you want to.

The Cornell Method

The Cornell method is another popular method that converts note-taking into small steps or compartments. You will find it effective, especially when you need to understand difficult and critical content. It helps you in active memory recall so that you can not only retain the information but also remember it. In this method, you make a column for notes on the right side and cues on the left. There is also a summary section at the bottom where you include a summary of the topic, which makes you learn and revise all the information quickly before your test or exam.

Hand-Written vs Digital Note-Taking

Other than choosing a method, another decision must be made: selecting between handwritten and digital notetaking. It is all about personal preferences, but each has its pros and cons. A study shows that handwritten note-taking keeps the brain active and engaged, making learning an uncomplicated process. Moreover, conventional handwritten methods do not have distractions.

On the other hand, when you are taking notes on your mobile phone or computer, you can easily get distracted by other social media apps or games. However, the advantages of digital methods are that they are quick and convenient, as you don't need to carry a notebook. You can open a note-taking application on your mobile phone and start working. Here are some useful apps for this purpose:

1. Microsoft OneNote
2. Notion
3. Built-in Notes app on your phone
4. Evernote and many others.

Conclusion:

Note-taking is an essential skill, whether you are a student, a teacher, or anyone who wants to gain some knowledge in a reliable way to remember it for a lifetime. You can do this using several methods, but the best ones are mind mapping, the Cornell method, the sentence method, the charting method, and the outline method. These methods summarize the given topic into mind maps, columns, charts, or hierarchical structures, which you can choose according to your needs and subject of study. The methods summarize the information and help you remember that gained knowledge. So, pick any of these note-taking techniques, learn multiple topics, and save time!