Good notes = better learning. But not all note-taking methods suit everyone. Here are 10 ways to take notes that actually help you study:

1. Cornell Notes

Divide your page into cues, notes, and summary sections. Great for revision and active review.

• Cornell Notes Method – Exam Study Expert
• Cornell Notes Explained – Goodnotes Blog
• Cornell Revision Guide – Save My Exams

2. Mind Mapping

Use diagrams to connect ideas visually. Perfect for brainstorming and creative planning.

• Mind Mapping Techniques – Creately
• Visual Learning with Mind Maps – LearningMole
• Mind Mapping for Critical Thinking – Opted Journal

3. Outlining

Structured bullet points for organised topics and logical flow.

• Outline Note-Taking Method – Goodnotes
• Beginner’s Guide to Outlining – E-Student
• Note-Taking Methods Overview – Lincoln University

4. Flow Notes

Write notes as a stream of consciousness; capture everything and connect ideas freely.

• Flow Note-Taking Method – E-Student
• How to Use Flow Notes – Learning with Angie
• Flow-Based Notetaking – Scott H Young

5. Charting

Create tables for comparisons – dates, formulas, vocabulary, or case studies.

• Charting Method Guide – Simple Student Plans
• Charting for Note-Taking – E-Student
• Charting Overview – University of Auckland

6. Sentence Method

Write each idea in a separate sentence. Simple, fast, and great for live lectures.

• Sentence Method in 4 Steps – Learning with Angie
• Quick Guide to Sentence Notes – E-Student
• Sentence Notes with Templates – ClickUp

7. Sketchnotes

Combine visuals and text to boost memory, creativity, and engagement.

• Sketchnoting Techniques – LearningMole
• Ultimate Guide to Sketchnoting – Ortus Draws
• Sketchnotes for Learning – Sketchy Ideas

8. Highlighting & Colour Coding

Emphasise key points for easy reference and visual clarity.

• Colour-Coded Highlighting System – Octant Academics
• Power of Colour Coding – Oxford Notebooks
• Colour Coding for Memory – Vikas Concept

9. Digital Notes

Use apps like Notion or OneNote to organise notes digitally and sync across devices.

• Best Note-Taking Apps of 2025 – PCMag
• OneNote vs Notion Comparison – CRM.org
• Month-Long App Review – MSN

10. Flashcards

Ideal for memorisation and active recall. Use spaced repetition for long-term retention.

• Active Recall with Quizlet
• Flashcards vs Active Recall – Roshelina Rush
• Science Behind Flashcards – Memrizz

Experiment with different methods. Combining a few can make studying more effective and even fun!

Which note-taking method works best for you? Share your favourite below!

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