The Learning Scientists

View Original

Weekly Digest #103: Note-Taking Strategies

Image by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay

In our last #LrnSciChat on Twitter, we discussed note-taking in length – see a summary of the Twitter chat here. In addition, Carolina wrote a blog post discussing the outcomes of the Note-Taking Twitter chat. However, we thought it would be useful to provide an overview of different note-taking strategies in form of a digest. Here we go: The first two resources introduce various note-taking systems, the next two resources explain dos and don’ts when taking notes, and finally, the last resource is a video that wraps it all up.

1. How to Take Study Notes: 5 Effective Note Taking Methods by Oxford Learning, @oxfordlearning

Here you find five note-taking systems that you can start using right away. They work on paper or on the laptop. The first one listed is the Cornell Method and as you will quickly notice when reading through all resources that this is one that keeps coming up repeatedly. Check it out, but feel free to try out the other techniques, too.

Image from Pixabay

2. 5 Popular Note Taking Strategies by Diego Santos via GoCongr, @GoConqr

If you want to explore more note-taking systems, check out this resource. There is overlap with the ones before, but you will find new ones, too.

3. Back to Basics: Perfect Your Note-Taking Techniques by Thorin Klosowski, @kingthor

This resource goes beyond specific note-taking systems. It explains what to pay attention to when scribbling down or typing your notes. A good advice is given in the end when the author points out that one key aspect of good notes is to keep them organized, so that you can quickly refer to them when you need them..

Image from Pixabay

4. Improving Your Note Taking by Education Corner

This resource explains how to take better notes – independently of the system you decide to use. Advices include to come to class prepared or to swap notes with your peers in order to compare them..

5. Taking Notes: Crash Course Study Skills #1 by CrashCourse, @TheCrashCourse

This video is a wonderful summary on note-taking that walks you through different note-taking systems and also explains dos and don’ts of note-taking in general. After this, you will be all equipped to start your own note-taking adventures.


Every Sunday, we pick a theme and provide a curated list of links. If you have a theme suggestion, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Occasionally we publish a guest digest, and If you'd like to propose a guest digest click here. Our 5 most recent digests can be found here:

Weekly Digest #98: Science of Learning Initiatives

Weekly Digest #99: In Defense of Inquiry Learning

Weekly Digest #100: Teachers' Implementations Of Learning Strategies

Weekly Digest #101: Preparing for Higher Education

Weekly Digest #102: Leading women in STEM fields