Most effective way to take notes during a college lecture?

Hey people, as I'm gearing up for college, I want to know about the most efficient note-taking methods during college lectures. Do you handwrite them, or type them up? Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi there,

There are a couple of popular note-taking methods that college students find useful, these include the Cornell Method, Outlining, and Mapping.

1. Cornell Method: This is a system with a cue column, note-taking section, and a summary section. You take notes on the lecturers' main points in the note-taking section, write questions or keywords in the cue column, then write a summary at the end of the lecture.

2. Outlining: For this method, you simply write main points, then list supporting details or sub-points below on the next indented line. This is recommended for lectures that present information in a structured, linear format.

3. Mapping: This visual method of note-taking involves drawing relationships between topics. You start with a main idea, then branch out with associated topics and subtopics. This is great for lectures where the material is interrelated.

As for the choice between handwriting and typing, it depends on personal preference. Research suggests that handwriting notes might aid in retention of information better than typing, but typing suits those who prefer a clear, organized set of notes. Plus, typing can be quicker, making it easier to keep up with the lecture.

Experiment with each method and see what works best for you. Remember, effective note-taking is not transcribing every word. Stay engaged in the lecture and focus on the key concepts and understand the material.