Recommended

The Cornell Method

A structured format for organising notes by dividing the page into three sections: cues (left-hand column), detailed notes (right-hand column), and a summary (bottom).

Best for

• Students who benefit from clear organisation and structure.

• Those who struggle to synthesise information independently.

Pros

• Encourages active engagement with material through review and summarisation.

• Simplifies complex information into smaller, digestible sections.

Cons

• Can feel rigid for creative learners.

• Requires time and consistency to master.

How to use it

• Divide the page into three sections: a left margin for cues, a larger right-hand section for notes, and a bottom section for a summary.

• During lessons, take key notes in the right-hand column, avoiding verbatim transcription.

• After the lesson, summarise key points in the bottom section and add cues or questions in the left column for review.

Recommended

Mind Mapping

A visual method of organising information around a central concept, with related ideas branching out.

• Visual learners who process information better with colours and images.

• Students who need to break down complex topics into simpler parts.

• Highly customisable with colours, symbols, and images.

• Helps students see relationships between ideas.

• Can be overwhelming for students who prefer straightforward methods.

• Requires time to develop effective maps for more advanced topics.

• Might be challenging to do quickly.

• Write the main topic in the centre of the page.

• Draw branches for subtopics, adding keywords, symbols, or short phrases.

• Use colours and additional branches for examples, details, or supporting ideas.

Recommended

Flow Notes

An unstructured, freeform method where students write down ideas as they understand them, connecting and summarising as they go.

• Students who prefer flexibility and creativity in their approach.

• Those who find structured methods like Cornell too restrictive.

• Encourages real-time processing of information.

• Adaptable to individual preferences and styles.

• Can become messy or disorganised without practice.

• May not suit students who need clear structure and guidance.

• Write key points in your own words, highlighting important ideas.

• Use arrows or lines to connect related concepts.

• Add reflections, questions, or summaries as you progress.

Recommended

Charting Method

A structured approach that uses tables or grids to categorise and organise information.

• Students who need help organising information logically.

• Those studying subjects that involve categorisation, like history or science.

• Provides a clear, visual structure.

• Makes comparisons and relationships between topics easier to see.

• Less useful for subjects without clear categories.

• Requires careful setup, which can be time-consuming.

• Create a table with headings for each category (e.g., date, event, consequence).

• Fill in the table with concise points or bullet points under each heading.

• Use the chart as a reference for studying or writing.

Recommended

Sketchnoting

A method combining simple sketches with text to visually represent information in a way that engages both the visual and verbal parts of the brain.

• Students who are visual learners or enjoy drawing.

• Those who benefit from non-linear formats.

• Engages creativity and visual memory.

• Makes note-taking more interactive and enjoyable.

• Can be distracting for students who aren’t confident with drawing.

• May require more time to create than traditional methods.

• Start with basic shapes and symbols to represent main ideas.

• Connect related concepts with lines or arrows.

• Add keywords or short phrases for context and clarity.

Teaching note-taking one-on-one allows SENCos to identify the best method for each student, tailoring the approach to their unique learning style and needs. By providing personalised support, students can build confidence and master note-taking techniques that will serve them throughout their education and beyond.