Choosing a Note Taking Style | Learning Strategies

There are many different note taking styles you can choose from and tools you can use (i.e. pen and paper, laptop, tablet). What works best may differ between different academic subjects. For example, taking notes in chemistry may require molecular structures; English literature courses may be more verbal. When selecting a style, consider which style:

Is easy for you to use
Helps you understand the content
Is useful for reviewing later

Below you will see examples and descriptions of different note taking styles. You can also learn more about each note taking style on the UTM Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre website.

Digital vs. Paper Notes

Benefits of digital notes versus paper notes

Cornell Method

The Cornell style of note-taking can help to actively understand the lecture material

Outlining Method

Identify the important topics in the lecture

Mapping Method

Create a visual representation of different concepts

Matrix Method

Re-organize notes to show connections between topics

Column Notes

Column notes is a method of notetaking that may help you with organization, creates space for

KurzweilEdu Note taking & Study Tips

Take the guesswork out of studying and writing with better note-taking. Carol Nees shares her tips for using templates, highlighters, and other study tools in www.Kurzweil3000.com to help learners develop stronger study and writing prep skills.

Supportive Technology

Did you know OneNote is a useful tool for organization, note taking and collaborating with your peers with notes? Did you know as a UofT student you have access to OneNote?