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NOTE TAKING METHODS/TECHNIQUES/SKILLS
There are a number of different ways to take notes, and it is best that you
use the method you feel most at ease with. However, there are four
general ideas that could help you to improve your note taking.
Use white space to separate major ideas.
Try to limit your notes to one concept or section per page.
Use abbreviations and/or symbols where possible to avoid long
sentences.
Write down the information in your own words.
1. The Cornell Method
2. The Outlining Method
3. Mind mapping Method
4. The Charting Method
5. The Sentence Method
The Cornell Method
The Cornell Method is based on two columns: one containing the
keyword or concept, and the other containing the description or notes
associated with the keyword or concept. This method can be used while
listening to the lecturer. In the right hand column, you can list the main
ideas or write a paragraph and then on the left hand side note the
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University College of Management& Science Khanewal
keyword or concept that relates to your section of notes
Arsalan Anjum
University College of Management& Science Khanewal
The Outlining Method
This method involves writing a series of topics and sub-topics, and
identifying them by indenting the text, numbering the lines, or using a
dash or bullet point.
For Example:
Main Topic
o Sub-Topic
Detailed points
Detailed points
o Sub-Topic
Second Main Topic
Mind mapping Method
A mind map is a diagram in which ideas, concepts and images are linked
together around a central concept, keyword or idea. See the section
on mind maps for more.
The Charting Method
Charting is effectively a table of rows and columns. The top row
normally classifies the concept with descriptions or keywords listed in
the row below.
Charting Method example
Theory Who? Proposed Paper
Special 'On the
Albert
theory of 1905 electrodynamics of
Einstein
relativity moving bodies'
Law of Isaac Philosophiae
1687
universal Newton naturalis principia
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University College of Management& Science Khanewal
gravitation mathematica
The Sentence Method
With this method you simply write every new concept, or topic on a
separate line. You can also number the information if you wish. It is
recommended that you use some form of visual aid to group related
points together.
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