Method
Description
Cornell Notetaking System
A two-column
format focuses
not only on
recording
lecture notes,
but also
organizing and
reviewing
those notes.
Helps to keep
notes
organized.
A visual “mindmapping”
technique
presents
information in
a graphic
format.
Helps visuallyoriented
students
organize
information.
Not all
information is
easily
represented in a
graphic format.
Assists
students in
making
connections.
Post-class time
needed to
organize notes.
Allows
students to
keep up with
fast-moving
lectures.
Requires
practice to
ensure
understanding
after class.
Visual
Mapping
Shorthand
A freeform
method that
allows students
to develop
their own
system of
words and
symbols.
Advantages
Creates
efficient study
sheets.
Disadvantages
Example
Requires the
student to
closely follow
the lecture.
Daily review of
notes is
essential.
Cornell example 1
Visual mapping example 1
Shorthand example 1
Annotation
Instead of
using a blank
sheet of paper,
note-takers
annotate preexisting
materials such
as PowerPoint
slides, textbook
notes, and data
tables.
Allows
students to
make
connections to
existing
knowledge.
Helps to
organize notes.
PowerPoint
slides, etc. are
not always
available and
some professors
do not announce
the topic of
lectures
beforehand.
Annotation example 1