sentence method; Cornell method; outline method; mind-map method; charting method

1. Note Taking

2. Definition of Note Taking
Note-taking is:
✓ A skill to take down running notes
✓ Combines active-listening and short-hand writing
✓ Crucial for gathering data

3. Uses of Note taking
1. During academic lectures
Note-taking is the best way to capture the ongoing, live discussions in
the class. A text book or a handout misses out the cross-questioning
and examples, that come up in the class.
2. During client counselling
Counselling intends to gather as much relevant information as possible
from a client, regarding a case. Note-taking skills are very much
required then, as you have to jot down information without breaking
off the rapport.

4. Note-taking: a skill
Talent is something you are born with.
But skill is what you develop through careful practice.
Note-taking is actually a combination of two direct skills:
1. Active Listening
2. Listen-to-writing conversion, with words and symbols
So, you become skilled in note-taking, only when you sharpen your
listening and writing skills.

5. 5 methods of Note-taking
Charting Method
Cornell Method
Outline Method
Sentence Method
Mind-Mapping Method

6. The Charting Method
You draw a table.
Divide the information into columns and rows.
Very helpful in comparative studies.

7. The Cornell Method
Developed by Cornell University, USA.
Very good for academic lectures.
The page is divided into three parts:
• Major writing portion to the right [you record class discussion here]
• Slim margin in the left. [After class, you re-read the notes, and guess
the important questions from that portion].
• A margin at the bottom. [You write down a summary of that note.
Easy to recall the topic later, even before reading it]

8. Guess the questions that can come
in the exams from the portion taught
Your Summary of this lecture / note

9. The Outline Method
• Very good to plan a step-by-step procedure; or note down a dense topic
that has multiple subtopics.
• The main idea is written as heading.
The specific, subordinate ideas are written below it, spacing right.
• This is actually how you write your essays currently.

11. The Sentence Method
• Simply write every new thought, topic, or fact on a new line.
• This method is easier than Outline method, if the material is difficult, or
delivered quickly.
• Currently used by you during class notes.
• Very effective for fast notes during client meetings.

13. The Mind-Mapping Method
• Useful for brainstorming; Problem solving: where you have to factor
in multiple things, before and after, to tackle an issue.
• Write the main heading in the center.
• Branch out ideas like before / after / strength / weakness; etc.
• Use color pens for color coding.
• Make a flowchart of your ideas.