Method
Cornell
Note-taking
System
Visual
Mapping
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages
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.
Creates
efficient study
sheets.
Requires the
student to
closely follow the
lecture.
Daily review of
notes is
essential.
Shorthand
A freeform
method that
allows students
to develop their
own system of
words and
symbols.
Allows students
to keep up with
fast-moving
lectures.
Requires
practice to
ensure
understanding
after class.
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.
PowerPoint
slides, etc. are
not always
available and
some professors
do not announce
the topic of
lectures
beforehand.
Villanova University Learning Support Services
Helps to
organize notes.
P:610.519.5176
Example
F:610.519.8015
Email: learning.support.services@villanova.edu