Note Taking Tips

Rewriting information is one of the most effective ways to help commit things to memory! Even if a teacher provides handouts and other pre-organized notes, it is very useful to reorganize those notes in a way that makes sense for the student! Two strategies are below.

Pyramid Method - this method supports conceptualizing the main idea and the chunking of information. You can use butcher paper, post-it notes, index cards, etc.

1. Start with the major topic, concept or event.

2. Branch off 3 - 5 related sub-topics.

3. From each sub-topic, compile relevant people, places, events, terms, etc.

Cornell Notes or 1/3-2/3 Notes or Outline Notes - this method requires that you write three levels of notes: the main topic, the sub topic, and the supporting facts.

1. The main topic should go across the top of your paper.

2. Fold your paper long way in a proportion of 1/3 to 2/3 (not in half - the left column

should look like a wider margin and most of your content will go on the right side.)

3. Use the left column for the major concepts, terms, formulas, people, places, etc.

4. Use the right column for definitions of concepts or terms; key information about

people of places; and examples of formula use