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Note-Taking Methods

Introduction and Overview

Introduction 

Notetaking is an essential learning skill in college and in the workplace.  Taking notes, especially hand-written notes, can help you remember important information and provides an important study tool.  Memory can take in and hold information only until new information comes along to replace it. This means that meaningful, long term learning occurs after and between classes as you study and review the course material, including your notes. Carefully organized notes give you a lasting record of a class and the opportunity to understand and learn what you have heard, seen, and done.  If you see, hear, and do something with information, you are more likely to remember it than if you only did nothing with that information.

What's Covered by This Research Guide?

This Research Guide covers the following topics:

  • The purpose and benefits of effective notetaking
  • The skill of active listening
  • The Informal Ouline approach
  • The Cornell Note-taking system
  • Tips for before, during, and after taking notes
  • Some ways to record lectures (with the instructor's permission)