Note-taking , Tuhi tīpoka

The Cornell Method uses 2 columns: 1 containing the keyword or concept and the other containing the description or notes associated with the keyword or concept.

In the right-hand column, you can list the main ideas or write a paragraph and then on the left-hand side, note the keyword or concept that relates to your section of notes. At the bottom of the page, you should write paragraphs summarising the information from the notes. Because this note-taking method identifies key concepts and summarises main ideas, it can be helpful for later revision.

Example of the Cornell note-taking method

This method arranges topics and sub-topics by indenting the text, numbering the lines or using a dash or bullet point.

A mind map is a diagram that links a central concept, keyword or idea with other ideas, concepts and images. Organise sub-concepts into sub-groups or branches with more important concepts closer to the central core.

Mind mapping guidelines

The mind map book identifies the foundation structures of a mind map, although they are open to individual interpretation.

• Start in the centre of the page with a keyword or phrase. It may also help if you can conceptualise the topic as an image.
• Use lines to extend out from the centre in a radiating pattern. The lines closest to the core of the mind map can be thicker than those at the periphery.
• Select keywords and phrases, and position each word in its own space, separate from others, on one of the extending lines. Each line is the same length as the keyword or phrase.
• Each line branches off the earlier line to form another sub-concept or sub-level of detail, and all extending lines at the periphery link back to the mind map core.
• Make effective use of colour, incorporating at least 3 colours throughout your mind map. The colours you select can develop into your own code of meaning. In the example below, each colour connects keywords and phrases in a related topic or sub-topic area within the mind map.
• Use images, symbols and codes, where relevant, throughout your mind map. These may contribute to your own mind-mapping style.
• Demonstrate emphasis and associations with the use of colour and interconnecting lines or arrows, or use your own techniques for emphasis and showing associations between ideas.

The mind map book: Radiant thinking (Massey Library login required)

Charting is effectively a table of rows and columns. The top row classifies the concept with descriptions or keywords listed in the row below.

Example of the Charting note-taking method

This note-taking method requires you to write every new concept or topic on a separate line. The goal is to identify the key concept and note it down. Do not try to write what the lecturer has said word for word. Leave lots of space between points to allow for additional notes later. You can also number the information.

We recommend you use some form of visual aid, for example, headings, arrows, coloured highlights or boxes, to group related points.

Many lecturers provide study materials in PDF, including journal articles, book chapters and lecture notes. If you want to add notes to a PDF file and manage a collection of less than 30 documents, choose from the following software options.

• Adobe Reader is free software allowing users to read PDFs only. You cannot annotate.
• Foxit Reader is free software letting users read and annotate PDFs.
• PDF XChange Viewer software has free and paid options, allowing users to read PDFs, add notes and highlight passages.

If you're working with more than 30 documents, we recommend using one of the following software options. They allow annotations and have advanced functions like organising and searching files, cloud storage and collaboration tools. Most software options in this category automatically generate references and citations (bibliographic management).

• Endnote software stores and manages references.
• Mendeley is the best all-in-one solution. It allows you to organise, annotate, search and back up documents, including PDFs and other file types. You can create a free account or buy a premium plan. Available as an iOS app.
• Zotero can save, manage and share PDFs, webpages, images, audio and other files. It does not currently allow you to annotate PDFs. Download the free browser plug-in or install the open-source software to your computer.
• Diigo allows you to annotate webpages and sync and share those annotations between computers and collaborators. It does not support PDF annotation. Sign up to either the free or paid plan options. Available as an iOS and Android app.

If you don't need to annotate PDFs, there are several programmes that allow you to organise, categorise and share your notes.

• Microsoft OneNote is part of Microsoft Office and available as iOS and Android app.
• Evernote is available as a free or paid plan option. Available as iOS and Android app.

Most software options listed above also have app versions for mobile devices – phones, iPads and tablets.

• Notability allows you to read and annotate PDFs on your iPad. Free to install. In-app purchases for annual or monthly subscription options.
• UPAD enables detailed note-taking on an iPad. Pay to install app.
• Note Taker HD is another highly rated note-taking app for the iPad. Pay to install app.
• ezPDF Reader allows for reading and annotation of PDFs. Pay to install app.

If you are taking physical notes in lectures, it is possible to automatically record the text (and audio from the lecturer) and send it to note-taking software.

• Livescribe Smartpen connects with Evernote.