How to Take Notes in Class: The 5 Best Methods - College Info Geek

Summary

This video explores the top five note-taking systems for effective class learning: the Outline Method, Cornell Method, Mind Map Method, Flow Method, and Write on Slides Method. Each is personified by a Street Fighter character to illustrate their unique features. The Outline Method is structured and hierarchical, while the Cornell Method includes a summary and cue column for review. Mind maps create visual representations of topics, the Flow Method emphasizes learning through note-taking, and the Write on Slides Method offers a timeline view of lectures. The video invites viewers to find the system that best suits their learning style.

Takeaways

• 📚 There are five widely accepted note-taking systems: the outline method, the Cornell method, the mind map method, the flow method, and the write on the slides method.
• 📝 The outline method is straightforward, using bullet points and hierarchy to organize main points and details.
• 📑 The Cornell method divides notes into three sections: a note-taking column, a cue column for questions or cues, and a summary box.
• 🌐 The mind map method involves creating a visual representation of topics and subtopics, starting from a central idea and branching out.
• 🔄 The flow method encourages learning while taking notes, aiming to create an original document that represents the mental image of the subject.
• 🖥️ The write on the slides method involves writing notes directly on printed lecture slides, providing a timeline view of the lecture.
• 💻 Using a computer for the outline method is recommended for easy editing and formatting of notes.
• 🤔 The Cornell method is designed to facilitate review and summarization, with the aim of building reviewable notes during the initial write.
• 🧘 The mind map method can be useful for brainstorming and organizing complex ideas, as it visually connects related concepts.
• 🎓 Scott Young, known for completing the MIT computer science curriculum in a year, invented the flow method, which focuses on learning and understanding over transcription.
• 👨‍🏫 The write on the slides method can be convenient when lecture slides are available, reducing the amount of writing and providing a structured note format.

Q & A

What are the five note-taking systems mentioned in the script?

The five note-taking systems mentioned are the outline method, the Cornell method, the mind map method, the flow method, and the write on the slides method.

Which Street Fighter character represents the outline method and why?

Ryu represents the outline method because it is straightforward, based on hierarchy, disciplined, and overall very simple, much like Ryu's character.

How does the outline method of note-taking work?

The outline method involves creating top-level bullet points for main points in a lecture and then adding lower-level bullet points for details. It is based on bullet points and hierarchy.

Who developed the Cornell note-taking method and when?

The Cornell method was developed by Walter Pauk in the 1950s.

What are the three distinct sections used in the Cornell note-taking method?

The three sections in the Cornell method are the cue column on the left, the note-taking column on the right, and a summary box underneath the columns.

How does the mind map method of note-taking differ from the other methods?

The mind map method involves creating a visual representation of the lecture's main topic and subtopics by drawing branches from a central circle, which helps in organizing information in a more associative manner.

Which Street Fighter character represents the mind map method and why?

Dhalsim represents the mind map method because he is a meditator and always focused on improving his mind, which aligns with the mindful organization of the mind map method.

What is the core concept of the flow method of note-taking?

The flow method focuses on learning while sitting in class and creating an original document that represents one's mental image of the subject, rather than transcribing the lecture verbatim.

Which character from Street Fighter represents the flow method and why?

Blanka represents the flow method because his fighting style is wild and freeform, much like the flexible and original approach to note-taking in the flow method.

How does the 'write on the slides' method simplify the note-taking process?

The 'write on the slides' method simplifies note-taking by allowing students to write directly on printed lecture slides, which already outline the lecture's flow, reducing the amount of writing and providing a timeline view of the lecture.

Which Street Fighter character is used to represent the 'write on the slides' method and what is the reasoning?

Zangief represents the 'write on the slides' method, possibly due to the speaker's humorous intent to not overthink the representation, as indicated by the script.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Exploring Effective Note-Taking Systems

This paragraph introduces five widely recognized note-taking systems: the outline method, the Cornell method, the mind map method, the flow method, and the write on the slides method. Each system is personified by a Street Fighter character to illustrate its unique characteristics. The outline method, represented by Ryu, is simple, hierarchical, and based on bullet points, making it ideal for computer-based note-taking. The Cornell method, symbolized by Chun-Li, involves dividing paper into three sections: a note-taking column, a cue column for questions or cues, and a summary box, aiming to facilitate review and learning.

05:01

🌐 The Mind Map and Flow Methods for Note-Taking

The mind map method, associated with Dhalsim, involves creating a visual representation of topics and subtopics, starting from a central circle and branching out. This method is beneficial for organizing complex ideas and was used by the speaker for blog post topics. The flow method, represented by Blanka, contrasts with the structured outline method by focusing on learning during the lecture rather than transcribing it verbatim. It encourages creating a personalized document that reflects one's understanding of the subject. The paragraph concludes with the write on the slides method, which involves annotating lecture slides, providing a timeline view of the lecture and reducing the amount of writing required.

🔖 Practical Tips and Encouragement for Note-Taking

The speaker provides practical advice on using lecture slides for note-taking, highlighting the convenience and the timeline perspective it offers. They also encourage viewers to like and share the video, subscribe for more college productivity tips, and explore additional resources through the provided links. The speaker invites viewers to engage with them on social media, suggesting other video ideas or leaving comments.

Keywords

💡Note-taking systems

Note-taking systems refer to various organized methods used to record information during lectures or while studying. In the video, five different note-taking systems are discussed, each with its unique approach to organizing and processing information, which is central to the video's theme of enhancing learning and retention.

💡Outline method

The outline method is a note-taking system that uses a hierarchical structure with bullet points to represent main ideas and sub-points. It is likened to Ryu from Street Fighter for its straightforward and disciplined nature. The video explains that this method involves creating top-level bullet points for main points and then adding detailed points underneath, which is useful for both paper and digital notes.

💡Cornell method

The Cornell method is a note-taking system developed by Walter Pauk in the 1950s, which divides paper into three sections: a note-taking column, a cue column for questions or cues, and a summary box. The video uses Chun-Li to represent this method due to her multiple 'kicks', symbolizing the method's multiple sections. It is designed to facilitate review and summarization of notes right after the lecture.

💡Mind map method

The mind map method is a visual note-taking system where the main topic is placed in the center and related sub-topics branch out like a tree. Dhalsim, known for his meditative nature, represents this system in the video. It is used to create a comprehensive and interconnected view of a topic, which is exemplified by the speaker's use of mind maps for brainstorming blog post topics.

💡Flow method

The flow method is a note-taking system that emphasizes learning and creating an original document that represents one's mental image of the subject, rather than transcribing the lecture verbatim. Blanka, with his wild and freestyle fighting, represents this method in the video. It encourages adding details, drawing arrows, and creating a personalized document that aids in learning and review.

💡Write on the slides method

The write on the slides method is a note-taking approach where students write directly on printed lecture slides. Zangief, chosen for his straightforward and powerful character, represents this method. The video highlights the convenience of this method, as it provides a timeline view of the lecture and reduces the amount of writing needed since the slides already contain key points.

💡Holistic learning

Holistic learning is an approach to education that focuses on understanding the subject as a whole, rather than as isolated facts. This concept is central to the flow method of note-taking discussed in the video, where the goal is to create a comprehensive mental image of the subject during the learning process.

💡Digital note-taking

Digital note-taking refers to the practice of recording notes using electronic devices such as computers or tablets. The video mentions the benefits of using digital tools like Evernote or Byword for the outline method, allowing for easy editing and formatting of notes without disrupting the document's structure.

💡Hierarchy

Hierarchy in the context of note-taking refers to the organizational structure where information is arranged according to its level of importance or relevance. The outline method, as described in the video, is based on hierarchy, with main points at the top level and supporting details below.

💡Reviewable notes

Reviewable notes are notes that are designed in a way that facilitates easy review and study. The Cornell method, as explained in the video, creates such notes by including a cue column for questions and a summary box, which are intended to aid in the review process immediately after the lecture.

💡Timeline view

A timeline view in note-taking refers to the chronological arrangement of notes that mirrors the flow of a lecture. The video mentions that taking notes on slides can provide a timeline view, allowing students to look back and recall what was discussed at specific points during the lecture.

Highlights

There are five generally accepted note-taking systems: outline, Cornell, mind map, flow, and write on the slides method.

The outline method is straightforward, based on hierarchy, disciplined, and simple, represented by Ryu.

Outline method uses bullet points and hierarchy for main points and details.

For paper notes, space out main points or summarize them at the top; for digital notes, use programs like Evernote for easy editing.

The Cornell method, represented by Chun-Li, was developed by Walter Pauk in the 1950s and divides paper into three sections: cue column, note-taking column, and summary box.

In the Cornell method, write normal notes in the right column, questions or cues in the left column, and a summary at the bottom after class.

The mind map method, represented by Dhalsim, starts with a central circle for the main topic and branches out into subtopics.

Mind maps are useful for organizing complex topics and creating comprehensive lists, like saving money in college.

The flow method, invented by Scott Young, focuses on learning while in class and creating an original document that represents your mental image of the subject.

Flow method notes are not verbatim but rather a personal representation with added details, arrows, and offshoots.

The write on the slides method, represented by Zangief, is convenient when lecture slides are available for download and printing.

Notes on slides provide a timeline view, mirroring the lecture flow, and reduce the amount of writing needed.

The best note-taking system depends on personal preference and the nature of the class material.

The video encourages viewers to like, share, and subscribe for more college productivity tips.

Additional resources and a companion blog post are available through the video's orange logo link.

The speaker offers a free chapter of their book 'Hacking Productivity' and invites video suggestions or comments.

Transcripts

What is the best system for taking notes in class?

Luckily for you, I did the research and it turns out that there are five different note

taking systems that are generally accepted to be pretty darn good.

Of course, I will be representing these note taking systems with Street Fighter characters

because, why not.

The five note taking systems I’m going to go over in this video include the outline

method, the Cornell method, the mind map method, the flow method and the write on the slides

method.

The first note taking system on my list is the outline method.

I chose Ryu to represent it because the outline method is straightforward, based on hierarchy,

disciplined and overall very simple.

In fact, you couldn't get more simple than the outline method unless you were just straight

up writing paragraph notes down.

If you think that’s going to be a good note taking method, well, things are not going

to work out for you.

The outline method is a note taking system that’s based on bullet points and hierarchy.

Basically, to take outline style notes you simply create top level bullet points of all

of the main points in the lecture.

Then you make lower level bullet points to fill out all the details.

If you’re taking outline notes on paper, it’s a good idea to either space out your

main bullet points or summarize them at the top if your professor goes through them.

Then, make new bullet points that are more detailed down the line.

However, if you’re taking these notes on a computer like I always did in a program

like Evernote or Byword or another word processor, you can easily go back, add new bullet points

and format things without having to mess up the structure of your document too much.

Honestly, for the outline method I think using a computer is a perfect approach.

The second note taking method on my list is the Cornell method.

I've chosen Chun-Li to represent it because she’s got multiple kicks and it’s got

multiple sections.

The Cornell method was developed by Walter Pauk back in the 1950s and it still holds

up pretty well today.

When you take your notes in the Cornell style, you divide your paper into three distinct

sections.

On the top of your paper you’ll two different columns, the left one being the cue column

and the right one being the note taking column.

Underneath those two columns you add another box for the summary.

During class, you use the note taking column on the right to write notes in a normal style.

However, this is where the Cornell method deviates from other note taking systems.

As soon as you can after class, you write down questions or cues in the cue column.

These are meant to help you review later.

You also write down a summary of the lecture in the summary column.

These two sections of the Cornell method, the summary and the cue column, they’re

both designed to help you build reviewable notes the first time you write them.

That way you don’t have to go back and rework your notes so much.

Note taking system number three is the mind map method.

It’s been said that your mind is a map of the territory that is reality.

Maybe by that logic the mind map system is the perfect note taking system.

Actually, that doesn't make any sense at all.

Either way, I chose Dhalsim to represent the mind mapping system because he’s a meditator

and he’s always focused on improving his mind.

To begin a mind map, you simply take a blank piece of paper, draw a circle in the middle

of it and add the main topic of the lecture there.

Then you’ll start branching off little trees and adding sub topics.

Eventually you’ll have lots of little branches and you’ll create a mind map.

I never actually used mind maps for my class notes but I have used them for blog post topics

before.

When I’m wanting to write a blog post on all the ways you could save money in college

I wanted to make sure I could cover all my bases.

I created a mind map.

I put saving money in college in the middle and then tried to figure out all the different

facets of a student’s life where they have to spend money.

Building a mind map help me organize all these topics and as a result, I was able to create

a more comprehensive list in the end.

The fourth note taking system is the flow method.

This system was invented by the writer Scott Young who’s probably best known for going

through the entire MIT computer science curriculum in a single year.

Scott uses what he calls holistic learning and his approach is diametrically opposed

to the rigid transcribing style of the outline method.

As a result, I chose Blanka to represent this note taking system.

His fighting style is that of basically a wild animal and it’s the complete opposite

of more disciplined fighters like Ryu or Guile.

That is a perfect way to describe the flow system of note taking.

You’re not trying to get every single detail from the lecture down to your paper and in

fact the point is not to transcribe the lecture at all.

Rather it’s to learn while you are sitting in class.

As you take your notes, your goal is to create an original document that represents your

mental image of the subject.

It’s not to record verbatim what your professor said.

As you take notes, you can go back to earlier points, add details, draw on arrows and little

offshoots and basically create something that is your own.

The entire point of the flow system of note taking is to learn it once.

This lets you accelerate your learning and that’s the real strength to this system.

Final system of taking notes is the lazy man’s way of taking notes.

I call it the write on the slides method.

To represent this note taking method, I chose Zangief because Zangief.

Seriously, do you really think I put a whole lot of thought into these things?

If your professor actually lets you download the lecture slides before class, then it can

be pretty convenient to just go print them off at the computer lab and write directly

on them.

One of the cool things about this method is that the slides more or less mirror the flow

of the lecture.

You almost get a timeline view when you take notes on slides.

It’s kind of like SoundCloud where people can actually leave comments at specific times

during an audio file.

Taking notes on slides isn't that accurate but it’s pretty close.

When you do it you can look back and say okay at this slide he was talking about return

on the cost of buzzword synergy management.

Those are the real strengths of the method.

You don’t have to write as much because the slides do it for you.

You get a timeline view for your notes.

Those are in my humble opinion the best five note taking systems out there.

Which one’s right for you?

Hey there, thanks for watching my video on the different note taking systems you can

use.

If you like this video, I would absolutely appreciate it if you could give it a like

and share it with a friend who’s maybe not as good taking notes as you are.

Charity’s a good thing right?

If you want to hear more videos every single week on being awesome in college, including

more videos on how to take better notes, which I’ll having coming out in the next couple

of weeks, then hit the subscribe button up in the corner.

Yeah, that one.

If you missed last week’s video, you can click the button right under that.

It’s not actually a button, it’s more like a little movie clip but it’ll get you

there all the same so whatever.

You want to get links to other websites with additional information on any of these note

taking systems then click the orange logo on the left corner where you’ll find the

companion blog post for this video.

If you’d like to get a free chapter of my book, Hacking Productivity, when it comes

out well click that thing.

Also, if you would like to suggest any other video ideas for the future or leave a comment

then leave a comment or you can connect with me on Twitter.