Note Writing Techniques

Recording information captured from an oral source such as a classroom is a skill known as note taking.  Note taking is not just something students do for fun, but rather to help them retain information presented in a classroom setting from an instructor.  IN the note taking process, there are several different formats one can use, tailor fitted to their own preferred methods of learning.  Traditionally they are taken long-hand using paper and pens, and modern technology has now adapted note taking to laptops, personal computers, and digital assistants.  The purpose of note taking is to implant the material in the mind, and secondly for recalling at a later date as a refresher. 

Different Methods

There are several different methods for the note taking process.  For more visually based students, the method of charting is preferred.  This is where a student creates charts, graphs, symbols, and tables embedded with words and phrases to enhance their notes.  This allows a student to see a progression through something such as a flow chart, or tables to label certain bits of information to differing categories.  Visually based students prefer this method as they find it easier to retain information on a picture based format.

Outlining is a popular and structured method of note taking.  These notes are often written freely, and commonly use an alphabetic or numeric system to keep them organized.  They have headings, subheadings, and detailed information within each subheading.  Students who prefer organization, and lecture based formatted learning, are prone to using outlines as their preferred method of note taking. 
A less common format of note taking is mapping.  Mapping is when a student writes their ideas in the structure of a tree, connecting each thought together.  Alternatively, this method is known as a mind map.  The central goal is stated, from there the differing sections branch out and the details make the “leafs” of a tree.  Just as with charting a student using the mapping method will sometimes use pictures, graphics, and symbols to represent particular pieces of information within the lecture or subject matter at hand. 

No one note taking method is perfect, and each individual should choose theirs according to their particular learning style.  Notes are a way of enhancing the learning experience, and giving students a referral point to any and all information that is necessary throughout a course.