The Sentence Method

Image Source

Congratulations on making it this far in your note-taking journey. We've gone to war with ourselves over whether our notes are truly formatted in the best way for us. To find that answer I introduced Outline Methods, Column Methods, the Mapping Method, and now the Sentence Method. The fights were full of a lot of information and step-by-step processes, but this is the final battle.

The Simple Guide: 
As we've learned, certain notes follow a linear path (from top to bottom), which is perfect for lectures taught in a linear fashion - with topic to topic bullet points. While others follow a non-linear path - groupings of bullet points branching from one another. What they all have in common are short to the point statements explaining the info on the lecture slides. This method is separate from the others for a reason. All you have to do is write each new point on a separate line . You can even number the lines if you want. For lectures, you write what the bullet point and what they professor says about it. You'll have everything on one place. The Academic Skills Center of the California Polytech Institute (CalPoly for short) lists plenty of examples, and cons, to using this method, but I don't think they gave it a fair chance.

Cons: 

1. Makes it difficult to see which facts are important
2. Too difficult to review
3. Too difficult to edit information

Woah! All of these cons are extremely troubling, and now you're afraid to even bother with such a troublesome method. I get it. I understand. But, I use this method for my notes all the time. It's too soon to decide something isn't for you, especially when there are many pros.

Pros: 

1. Certain bullet points make no sense without a definition
2. Examples are needed to explain info that won't be understood after class
3. Can be used with other note-taking methods

The Sentence Method gets a lot of negative attention when compared to the others, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I see both the good and bad. No method is perfect until a research study proves me otherwise. This is why I introduced you to so many different types. You make them your own, to match your writing style and how you study. There are both benefits and costs for every decision, and hopefully you now have the tools to make the right one for you.

Helpful Hints: 

I had a ton of fun researching these different methods, so make sure to try them all out:

The Original Outline Method
The Revised Outline Method
The Column Method
The Mapping Method

Sources

California Polytech State University. Academic Skills Center (Student Academic Services). Note-Taking Systems, 2018, https://asc.calpoly.edu/ssl/notetakingsystems. Accessed 22 October 2018.

The Mapping Method

The methods we've discussed so far are all linear. This is great since lectures are arranged and taught in a linear fashion - Topic A to subtopics 1 through 6, then Topic B and so on. Unfortunately, this is the issue most students have with their notes. Rapheala of Meister Labs posted an article explaining how linear methods tend to be the most popular and widely used, but not the most effective.

Image Source

All information is key information when you're rushing through a long reading, so you copy everything that you read. You write down too much and end up with paragraphs of unnecessary details. At times, it's even difficult to write clear notes in class if the professor zips through slides and talks too quickly. Subsequently, you use the outline methods incorrectly. The column methods can help you separate all those notes by forcing them into separate categories. But you still might not feel that you have sufficient notes when you realize you don't understand the significance of the bullet points and sentences in your notebook. To prevent these issues try out a non-linear method; the Mapping Method is a great start.

Every Tree in the Forest

My high school history teacher Ms. H always reminded us that to understand concepts (both large and small) we need to see the forest and the trees. Chapters of textbooks, pdfs, websites, and lecture slides are all forests. Our notes should display the trees so we can better understand those forests. It's quite beautiful.

Why It's My Favorite

This format allows you to display all the information branching from one key topic. I believe that everyone should take notes the way that's best for them to learn. If that means using a non-linear method, then so be it. Even if it is a bit more difficult to explain than the others.

It's appearance differs between individuals. For example, let's say you are taking Intro to Biopsychology and need to understand the differences between the sections of a neuron. You look through your outlined notes and realize you have a ton of facts listed but nothing connecting the ideas together. What do you do? Well, you can use a linear method like creating a chart (it's really a table) or you can try something original, something you've never dreamed of trying before; you can make a map. Quite frankly, describing how to do this is difficult. CalPoly didn't get into much detail as to how to create one, while MindMeister. wants you to use their application. Each map is different by subject and creator, so I'll tell you the simplest way to get you started.

• Step 1: Place your notebook (or sheet of loose-leaf) horizontally
• Step 2: Write the main topic ("The Sections of the Neuron") in the center of the page
• Step 3: Branch from the main topic your subtopics ("The Dendrites", "The Soma", "The Axon", etc...)
• Step 4: Branch from each subtopic any key terms or terms that will lead to definitions (from "The Dendrites": "action potentials", from "The Soma": "the axon hillock", from "The Axon": "myelin")
• Step 5: Branch definitions from the key terms (from "The Soma": "maintains the structure of the cell", from "the axon hillock": "begins the propagation of action potentials")

The finished product will be a large picture showing how the ideas relate to one another. To help you continue from here I recommend checking out MindMeister. They provide in depth examples of how to create mind maps. You can pay for their application, but don't. To create your own, I recommend using MindMapMaker. You can use this to brainstorm ideas for stories and reorder your notes, for example, Biopsychology. If branching your notes sounds too off the beaten path, the Sentence Method may be what you're searching for. 

Helpful Hints
If you decided to check out this method first, and haven't read the others, please start with Intro to Note-Taking. 

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.

Raphaela. “Effective Note Taking in Lectures and Class Using Mind Maps”. The Creativity and Productivity Blog (Mind Meister Labs). N/A, https://www.mindmeister.com/blog/effective-note-taking/#. Accessed 16 October 2018.

The Column Notes Method

Image Source

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.

The Revised Outline Method

In my previous post I explained how to use the good ol' Outline Method for your note-taking. The problem most students have with this method is that roman numerals are confusing. Their focus that should be on recording the information (from lectures and textbooks) in a way that clearly displays the key points, is instead on remembering the order of I's and a's. This is where the Revised Outline Method comes in.

Very Different

Image Source

You create the key to organize information. Maintaining "proper" note-taking form and using roman numerals may not be your style. I prefer to draw shapes that I fill in with ink of different colors. Even Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) and English letters (a, b, c) are better, plus you can alternate between colors. The action of tracking what each symbol means for your code helps you recall the information more easily. Using colors was prohibited when writing my notes in both grade school and high school. My teachers (except one) felt it was distracting. My AP Brit Lit (British Literature)/ AP Psychology teacher Mr. J - he taught both - allowed me to use whatever colors I wanted (which were navy blue, purple, and pink). It makes sense that Mr. J accepted my methods in the 12th grade, since no research has proven that not using black ink causes you to learn less easily. This means you can write in blue, pink, or purple; colors won't make you less likely to remember information.

Yet Very Similar

Image Source

Students can fall into the same traps with all note-taking methods. The difference is that both the Original Outline Method and the Revised Outline Method make it immensely easier. Copying lecture slides and textbook definitions word-for-word is extremely inefficient. By creating you own key, you decide what goes where and how the information is separated. Remember keep your indents consistent, and rephrase text so you understand how the terms relate to one another. I mean, you take notes so you can study from them. No one wants to read through chapters and slides weeks after they were taught in class.

Helpful Hint:
I could not tell you enough times: both outline methods require time-management. You have to actively think about what you’re writing and try to re-word and condense it. If you find that you just don’t have the time for such detail, or know you can’t follow lectures by outlining, then Column Notes is what you need.




Sources:
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.

Intro to Note-Taking

Image Source

Freshman year was difficult. I can't say I wasn't warned in high school that college would be difficult, but I did expect it to be easier. I took mostly AP classes, won awards in most subjects, and graduated Salutatorian. But then, I got my first C's since the third grade. I'm really trying not to be dramatic, but I had a heart attack. " What did I do wrong?" and "I'm just doing what I always do" were thoughts that roared in my mind. I was a failure (In my family C's = F's, okay). 

Imagine it's now May 2018. You just survived your first year of college and spring semester turned out to be harder than the fall, yet, even with all the turmoil of finals you've managed to earn straight A's. Do you spend the summer recovering from the most stress-inducing trial in your new adult life? No! You get two jobs and read books in your spare time at the public library to learn how to better yourself. Maybe that's just me, but the point is I know I could've done better.  

Most college students focus on developing better study habits to improve their grades. Obviously, studying is essential, but learning is a multi-step process. The step I was missing that first semester is taking good notes. Before I take you on this note-taking journey, please ask yourself these three questions. 

Is what I'm doing now working?

The Intro to Anthropology class I took last spring is the staple example for why I take note-taking seriously. For that class I read textbooks, listened to the professor’s lectures, and applied what I learned to the in-class activities. I excelled in everything but the quizzes; they’d come back with 3/10 marks. Half the time, I had no idea what the questions were even asking. That first quiz is when I should’ve accepted that whatever I was doing was clearly not working. 

How do I learn what is being taught to me?

How do you learn?—meaning how do you understand and retain the information being taught to you? There are myriad ways you can learn, and it can differ by course subjects, project topics, the season, or how tired you are. Once I realized I wasn’t learning what I was reading—and spending two hours a night taking notes on—I decided to switch things up.

What should I do now?

This question is why I have written this very article you are reading! My goal is to help you make the most out of your time here at Coe so I read blogs, books, and university websites to create for you a list of the top note-taking methods (linked down below). Hopefully one or all of these methods will you lead to note-taking greatness!


Helpful Links:                            
The Outline Method
The Revised Outline Method
The Column Method
The Mapping Method
The Sentence Method

The Original Outline Method

The Most Popular Method

This is the method most of us were taught growing up, and it’s also the default style for lists in Microsoft Office, Google Documents, and most digital platforms. I was taught to use roman numerals (I, V, X, etc...) which has never ceased to confuse me, but most students - the lucky ones - are probably taught using the Arabic system.( 1, 5, 10, etc...)

Image Source

For example:
i. Title: Roman Emperors
    a. Subtitle: Julius Caeser
        i. Subheading: the most remembered emperor
           1. Minor Subheading: Little Caesars Pizza
        ii. Subheading: a dictator
        iii. Subheading: killed by members of the senate
    b. Subtitle: Alexander the Great

According to Studyright.net, the science behind this method is to improve the retention of information by classifying and separating information. Meaning, the purpose of this method is to allow note-takers to record information in lectures and textbooks in a way that’s easier for them to read. I believe, roman numerals are enforced in schools because it’s an easy way to grade students on their note-taking. I learned from how I take notes that the two aspects you must focus on are: 1) Intentional indentation and 2) A proper key.

Indentation: Information separated from one another by the differing amounts of spacing. It’s not outlining unless each detail is intentionally classified by how important it is. It needs to be consistent, of course. For example: if you start your first title on the left side of the page, then ALL your titles need to be on the left side of the page. If the first key term is four spaces from the left side of the page, then ALL of your key terms need to be four spaces from the left side of the page, etc.

The Key: How you label the information. You need to be consistent with your labeling too.
For example: Is A or I for titles? Is a or i for key terminology?

Outlining is a great go-to because it forces you to find the important points in pages of definitions and authors' ramblings and order them by category and relevance. It's also the easiest method to use for lectures because most are already in outline form. This is the trap most students fall into, including me. I misused this method for Research Methods last year. Essentially, I copied the lecture slides word for word, so when it was time for exams I had to reread the slides and rewrite the vocab, just to understand the material. If I realized then to focus on indentation and created a proper key, I could have studied from my notes. This is the trap many students find themselves in. Even though they take a ton of notes, they still don't understand the material.

Common Pitfalls

Too Many Words
Since the purpose of this method is to allow students to record the information in lectures and textbooks in a way that's (supposedly) easier to review, writing paragraphs for each numeral is pointless. I understand the need to write out the definitions of terms, but at some point you wind up in a zombie-like state, simply copying word-for-word. This is common for courses that contain a lot of information like biology or psychology. Why bother taking notes if your notebook is just a copy of the textbook? Try rewriting the text in your own words. Not only will this help with your comprehension of the material, but when reviewing for tests you'll actually understand what was written. Look through the links in your textbooks, other websites, and YouTube videos to find different ways to phrase the information.

Copying the Lecture Slides
This is the mistake I made my freshman year, and the mistake I made the first few weeks of classes this semester. For classes that don't require learning a lot of vocabulary, this may not appear to be a problematic way to take your notes. After all, you can review the information when studying, and not be overwhelmed. Professors speak fast, so copying their format allows you to document all the information as it comes. On the exams, what's printed on the lecture slides may not be as relevant as what the professor is saying. I know when I look at the slides before class, I have no idea what any of the terms means, and simply copying them down doesn't show how they relate to one another. Pay attention to what you're writing and rephrase it in ways you will understand later. Don't be afraid to ask your teacher to clarify a definition for you or repeat an example. Ask your classmates if you can look over each others' notes to further clarify any remaining questions.

Helpful Hints
If outlining your notes using roman numerals doesn't appeal to you, there are several other note-taking methods I've researched and summarized for you. Check out my Intro to Note-Taking post, if you haven't already. It's the proper introduction to why I've written about notes, and contains the links to all the other methods. Feel free to comment down below, and have a wonderful day!






Sources: 
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.