Cornell Note Taking Method
| Reduce your notes to use as cues for Reciting, Reviewing and Reflecting | Record the lecture or textbook readings notes. |
This technique provides the opportunity to use the 5 R’s of note taking and can be used with the SQ3R method for textbook reading.
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MIND MAPPING:
For Study
In order to effectively pass exams or tests, successful students create effective notes that they can fall back on during the study process.
The Mind Mapping Method uses graphical representations and keywords and phrases to connect ideas, making recall and review simplistic. The mind mapping approach does not take much time and helps the note-taker focus on the speaker instead of the notes.
Another important area where you can use the mind mapping method to create notes is during group meetings when you have to brainstorm different topics or ideas. Creating a mind map will not only have a real-time impact on your group meetings, but this method ensures that you are not missing out on important topics and ideas and that you are covering everything related to the meeting’s agenda. Mind maps for note-taking can be an extraordinary and creative approach to note-taking utilized during and after the brainstorming process.
Useful Tips for Note-Taking with Mind Maps
Check out some of the following tips to help you create professional, useful, and creative mind maps for your academic notes.
- Ideas over Chronology
If you are working on complex topics that flow both chronologically and thoughtfully, your mind map will essentially fabricate itself. The presenter would also chronologically discuss the topic. - Practice Active Listening
One important aspect of mind mapping is that you do not write down every word verbatim. Rather, you focus on the watchwords and ideas that resonate with the primary topic. The key practice here is to choose the right word that not only conveys the information but also saves you time. - Add Key Facts
Before creating the note-taking with mind maps, ensure that you have outlined all the key facts, subtopics, ideas, comments, and more. It saves time and gives you an idea about the complexity of the notes and, subsequently, the topic. - Consistently Move When you create a mind map, do not put all the information in one place. Try to move the different topics and subtopics to different locations in the sub-branches, depending upon their nature and the context of the substance.
- Be Reasonable
If you are making mind maps for yourself, there is no practical need to stress yourself with the design. Just ensure that all the important notes are covered in the mind map and that you have not missed out on any pivotal topic. - Use Symbols
When you create mind maps for complex topics, it is advisable to use symbols, clipart, or even different colors to identify topics easily.
How to Make a Mind Map?
Step 1: Begin with the Main Idea
Step 2: Add Branches
Step 3: Customize
Key Takeaways
Mind maps for note-taking are one of the best ways to regain and retain information that you learned during your lecture or meeting. Mind mapping is one of the finest ways to brainstorm, gain ideas, and get a fresh perspective on complex topics. Students can create different mind maps to illustrate and visualize different complex topics later, like MC Scot Madison shows us in the mind map above about Self Care.
The Outlining Method
Dash or indented outlining is usually best, except for some science classes, such as physics or math courses like Statistics or Quantitative Literacy.
- The information which is most general begins at the left with each more specific group of facts indented with spaces to the right.
- The relationships between the different parts are carried out through indenting.
- No numbers, letters, or Roman numerals are needed.
- Method: Listen and then write in points in an organized pattern based on space indention. Place major points farthest to the left. Indent each more specific point to the right. Levels of importance will be indicated by distance away from the major point. Indention can be as simple as or as complex as labeling the indentions with Roman numerals or decimals. Markings are not necessary, as space relationships will indicate the major/minor points.
- Advantages: This style of note-taking can be a well-organized system if done right. Outlining records content, as well as relationships. It also reduces editing and is easy to review by turning main points into questions.
- Disadvantages: Requires more thought in class for accurate organization. This system may not show relationships by sequence when needed. This system cannot be used if the lecture is too fast.
- When to Use: The outline format can be used if the lecture is presented in outline organization. This may be either deductive (regular outline) or inductive (reverse outline where minor points start building to a major point). Use this format when there is enough time in the lecture to think about and make organization decisions when they are needed. This format can be most effective when your note-taking skills are strong and you can handle the outlining regardless of the note-taking situation.
- Method: Listen and then write in points in an organized pattern based on space indention. Place major points farthest to the left. Indent each more specific point to the right. Levels of importance will be indicated by distance away from the major point. Indention can be as simple as or as complex as labeling the indentions with Roman numerals or decimals. Markings are not necessary, as space relationships will indicate the major/minor points.
