Have you ever sat through a lecture or read pages of a textbook, only to forget most of it a few hours later? If that is the case, then you are not alone in this. It has been found through a survey that people forget upto 70% of new information within just 24 hours, if they don’t take notes. That is why having an effective note-taking method is helpful, plus kind of essential. If you have not made any notes for your project, then rather pay for thesis help than struggle over a project that is gonna end up all vague. It is because organised notes give a natural flow to your project.
However, not all notes are created equal. The way you organise and even review your notes can make or break your learning method. Good note-taking elevates your understanding and improves your memory retention. Choosing the right method of note-taking can make your efforts more productive and far less stressful, whether you are a student or a professional. The following post explores some of the most effective note-taking techniques that are proven to help you remember better and learn faster.
10 Best Yet Simple Note-Taking Methods For Better Retention
There always is a shortcut for things. You don’t have enough resources or time to work on a project, all you have to do is tell a professional to do my dissertation for me UK. You can’t memorise huge chunks of knowledge in one go; better make notes for it. There is no single approach when it comes to note-taking. Your brain processes information uniquely, and the right method should match how you think, study, and recall.
Even the effect of note-taking strategy instruction on the students‘ learning is also considered highly positive (Haghverdi et al., 2010), let alone the memory retention benefits. Some of the science-backed and top note-taking techniques for college and university students that can significantly improve retention are mentioned below. Try them out to see which one works best for your learning style.
1. The Cornell Method
This method was developed at Cornell University and is especially effective for structured revision.
- Categorise the page into three sections, like Notes, Cues, and Summary.
- Mention your detailed notes in the right-hand column.
- Write down questions, keywords, or prompts on the left.
- At the bottom, write a short summary of the entire page.
This system encourages you to actively reflect and review while improving long-term retention by 30–40%.
2. The Outline Method
The outline method is ideal for logical thinkers and organised minds.
- Start with the main topic at the top.
- Use bullet points to break down information into subtopics.
- Each level represents a deeper layer of detail.
This method works well during lectures or reading while helping you visualise hierarchy and relationships between ideas.
3. The Mapping Method
A useful technique for visually organising information is mind mapping (theresearchguardian.com, 2024,). This is yet another one of the most effective note-taking strategies to boost memory retention. This technique is best for learners who remember information through images or connections.
- Start with the main topic in the centre of the page.
- Branch out subtopics like a tree or mind map.
- Use arrows, lines, and colour-coding to show connections.
It has been found through a survey that mind mapping can increase memory retention by up to 15%, especially for visual learners.
4. The Charting Method
The charting method is also quite effective and deals with comparison-based information.
- Create columns with headers such as dates, definitions, outcomes, or topics.
- Fill the rows with relevant information under each category.
This method keeps details neat and easy to scan, which is perfect for subjects that require lots of comparisons.
5. The Sentence Method
This method is for you if you struggle to keep up with fast lectures or conversations.
- Write each new thought or fact as a separate sentence or line.
- Number the sentences if needed for structure.
This technique does not slow you down and captures as much raw content as possible. You can always organise it later.
6. The Flow Notes Method
Flow notes combine note-taking and learning at the same time.
- Write what you understand in your own words, instead of just copying the facts.
- Add diagrams, arrows, side questions, and personal insights.
This method promotes active learning and deeper understanding.
7. The Colour-Coding Method
Colours are not just pretty; they stimulate the brain and enhance memory.
- Assign colours to categories, like red for definitions, blue for examples, and green for questions.
- Use highlighters, pens, or digital tools to organise.
Colour triggers different areas of the brain, which makes it easier to recall specific types of information during exams or presentations.
8. Digital Note-Taking with Apps
Technology offers powerful tools for note-taking. Apps like Notion, OneNote, and Evernote allow:
- Cloud storage with instant access across devices.
- Tagging and searching features for fast retrieval.
- Inserting audio, video, and web links for interactive notes.
9. The Feynman Technique
This method is rooted in explaining complex topics simply.
- After learning something, try to explain it in an extremely simplified manner.
- Identify gaps in your understanding.
- Go back to the source to clarify and revise your notes.
This technique is used to master complicated subjects by turning passive reading into active learning.
The Split-Page Method
This approach helps when studying from books or watching videos.
- Divide your page vertically in half.
- On the left, jot down key ideas or keywords.
- On the right, write full explanations, examples, or additional points.
The physical separation helps the brain store information in categories, reducing mental clutter and boosting recall.
Quick Tips to Boost Retention While Taking Notes
- Review within 24 hours.
- Summarise, don’t copy.
- Use symbols and abbreviations.
- Stay consistent.
- Pair with active recall.
Good note-taking is not about writing everything down. It is about recording what matters and understanding why it matters.
Conclusion
Note-taking is not just a study habit; it is a thinking tool. When done right, it transforms passive listening into active learning and turns information into long-term knowledge. Choosing a method that suits your personal learning style can make studying more efficient and less stressful. Always remember: great notes are not about how much you write, but how well you understand. Take control of your learning by making your notes work for you, not against you. It is a small change that leads to powerful results.
