The Column Notes Method

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During fall semester, freshman year, I took Research Methods. Using the Original Outline Method for my notes, I copied the lecture slides word for word. I know I would've had a much easier time studying for tests and exams if I rewrote the information from both the slides and his lecture in my own words, in a format that clearly displayed the information. Back then, if I knew of all the different ways to take notes to take notes, I would've used the Column Notes Method.

The Topics Method

StudyRight.net says that students who have an interest in learning how to take better notes, tend to get this method down more easily than their peers. Also, only 5% of students use this as their preferred method, so there’s that too. For the normal column method, you fold your paper in half and label one side Topic A and the other Topic B. You decide what you put where and how you put it. That doesn’t help you know what should go where, so, fortunately, FacingHistory.org gives more details. A typical technique is to use the left side for key ideas and the right for your responses. You could also outline on one side, and write the definitions of key words on the other.

                   Key Ideas : Response
                   Outline Notes of The Nervous System : Diagram of a Neuron
                   Terms and Definitions : Examples of Terms (in Use)

This method is perfect for lectures, because you aren’t just copying the slides word for word (which defeats the point of taking notes). Instead, you write down what your professor says about the information and have space to add in extra bits—questions you have, points you missed—on the side. Now, this is my preferred method for my Intro to Biopsychology notes. Seeing that line in the middle of the page immediately creates a clear separation of the information, so I have two sides devoted to specific topics.

The Cornell Method

I’m positive you've heard of this ever popular method, and were even told to try it out at some point. In my high school, I was the only one who was never taught how to use the Cornell Method, so naturally that became an issue, right? Nope. One of my teachers printed out a sheet explaining how to divide my paper and what to write where, but it didn't help; I never liked the idea of having to use a ruler and plot out where things go before I start writing. Nevertheless, teachers everywhere claim it's the "best" note-taking method, so here's how to do it.

1. Divide your page into 2 ½ in. X 6 in. margins
2. Write down key information (as with all notes) in the 6 in. column
3. Write down any questions you have towards the material in the 2 ½ in. column
4. Follow the five-step process from Cornell University:
1. Record
2. Questions
3. Recite
4. Reflect 
5. Review

The CalPoly Academic Skills Center (ASC), claims that there are no disadvantages to using the Cornell method for your notes, since it’s a “do-it-right-in-the-first-place" system. But, I can think of a few. For starters, the Cornell method is not for everyone, and there is no data proving otherwise. I found no surveys or opinion polls, nor observation or case studies. There is nothing that shows that students prefer to take notes using the Cornell method, have an easier time studying from their notes if they are Cornell notes, nor receive higher grades on their tests. 

The Charting Method (It's really a Table)

It makes perfect sense. since students who prefer to separate information using columns may opt for pushing it a step forward and create charts. They prepare their notebook paper before lectures by reviewing the slides and deciding where they will put specific notes. In fact, CalPoly ASC claims that it "reduces the amount of writing needed" and that it's "easy to review". I can't disagree. 

For example, let's say you have a Biopsychology class. Your professor graciously posts the lecture slides before class to Moodle and you see that there is a ton of information that you'll have to record during the lecture. You could wait until day of and record the information as it comes, or you could look over the topics and create your chart - it's really a table but CalPoly's titled it "charting". This is another method that's claimed to have no cons - I'm seeing a pattern - but , once again there are of course drawbacks to every method.

When it comes to lectures, unless you have access to (or the time) to look over the slides before class you cannot create your columns. Multitasking is a farce. Could you create the chart (table) while recording from the slides, while listening to the lecture and recording what the professor is teaching? If you can you are a miracle worker.

What to do Next?  

Many students aren't linear learners - meaning they need to record and review information from top to bottom. They instead prefer to map out their notes, allowing the ideas to pop out from key points and connect together. If this sounds like you, then the Mapping Method should interest you.

Helpful Hint: 
If you want to know more about the difference between a table and a chart check out The Difference Between. 

Sources
California Polytech State University. Academic Skills Center (Student Academic Services). Note-Taking Systems, 2018, https://asc.calpoly.edu/ssl/notetakingsystems. Accessed 28 August 2018.

Emelda M. "Difference Between Table and Chart." DifferenceBetween.net. September 6, 2011 < http://www.differencebetween.net/science/mathematics-statistics/difference-between-table-and-chart/ >.
Facing History and Ourselves. “Two-Column Note-Taking”. 2018, https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/teaching-strategies/two-column-note-taking. Accessed 28 August 2018.

Skylar Anderson. “4 Effective Types of Notes to Try Note-Taking In”. StudyRight. 2018, https://www.studyright.net/blog/types-of-notes/. Accessed 28 Aug. 2018.
The Learning Strategies Center. Cornell University. The Cornell Note-taking System, 2018, http://lsc.cornell.edu/notes.html. Accessed 28 August 2018.