Note-taking is a skill that significantly impacts learning outcomes, yet it’s rarely taught explicitly. Here’s what research tells us about effective note-taking and how to teach it.
Why Notes Matter
The act of note-taking itself—not just having notes—improves retention. The key is active processing during note-taking.
Research-Backed Methods
Cornell Method
Divide the page into sections for notes, cues, and summary. This structure promotes review and synthesis.
Sketch Notes
Combining words and visuals engages multiple cognitive pathways, improving memory.
Handwriting vs. Typing
Research suggests handwriting may lead to better conceptual understanding, though typing allows for more content capture.
Teaching Note-Taking
- Model your own note-taking process
- Provide partially completed notes as scaffolding
- Give students time to process and organize notes after class
- Teach students to review and revise notes within 24 hours
The Bottom Line
Effective note-taking is active, personalized, and reviewed regularly. Help students find the method that works for them while teaching the principles that make any method effective.