Top 12 Note-taking Methods In The World

It is important to know how to take a note while learning a lesson or organizing your life and work. Some may think that note-taking is just write down everything on notebooks, but it's not true. A propriate note-taking method can help to improve efficiency.

Today we are introducing the most popular 12 note-taking methods in the world, hoping to inspiring you on taking notes. We are not ranking them as there is no best methods but the most suitable methods. The 1, 2, 3 is a listing point for every note-taking system. If you find that one of them help to solve the problem you are encountering, it's our pleasure to be helpful.

1. Cornell Note-Taking System

Features: Divide the note page into three areas: note area, clue area and summary area.
Advantages: Clear structure, easy to review and extract core content.
Applicable scenarios: classroom learning, meeting minutes, reading notes.

2. Mind Mapping

Features: With the central theme as the core, associations are developed through branches and keywords.
Advantages: Intuitive and flexible, it helps to stimulate creativity and clarify ideas.
Applicable scenarios: brainstorming, project planning, knowledge organization.

3. Outline Method

Features: Organize information in a hierarchical structure (such as title, subtitle, key points).
Advantages: Clear logic, suitable for recording structured content.
Applicable scenarios: classroom notes, meeting minutes, writing outlines.

4. Bullet Journal (BuJo)

Features: Use short symbols (such as “•” for tasks and “○” for events) to record tasks, events and notes.
Advantages: Flexible and efficient, suitable for time management and task tracking.
Applicable scenarios: Personal schedule management, task planning, diary recording.

5. SQ3R Note-taking Method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review)

Features: In-depth learning through five steps: browsing, questioning, reading, reciting and reviewing.
Advantages: Strong systematization, which helps in deep understanding and memory.
Applicable scenarios: Reading study, exam review.

6. Charting Method

Features: Organize information in the form of tables or charts for easy comparison and analysis.
Advantages: Intuitive and clear, suitable for recording data and comparing information.
Applicable scenarios: Data recording, comparative analysis, historical event organization.

7. Flow-Based Note-Taking

Features: Use arrows and graphics to represent the logical relationship between information.
Advantages: Suitable for recording processes and cause-and-effect relationships.
Applicable scenarios: process description, project management, scientific experiment records.

8. Keyword Method

Features: Only record keywords and core concepts, ignoring details.
Advantages: Concise and efficient, suitable for quick recording and review.
Applicable scenarios: lecture notes, quick reading.

9. Sketch Notes

Features: Combine text, graphics and symbols to record information in a visual way.
Advantages: Lively and interesting, helpful for memory and understanding.
Applicable scenarios: creative records, meeting notes, study notes.

10. Golden Circle Method

Features: Organize information at three levels of "why-how-what".
Advantages: Helps to deeply understand the nature and motivation of the problem.
Applicable scenarios: business analysis, project planning, speech preparation.

11. Zettelkasten Note-Taking Method (Card Box Note-Taking Method)

Features: Write each note on a separate card and establish the relationship between notes through links.
Advantages: Suitable for long-term knowledge management and creative generation.
Applicable scenarios: academic research, writing, knowledge organization.

12. Six Color Note-Taking Method (Six Color Method)

Features: Use six different colors of pens to record different types of information (such as definitions, examples, questions, etc.).
Advantages: Distinguish information by color, which is easy to classify and remember.
Applicable scenarios: Classroom notes, exam review.

Summary

Different note-taking methods are suitable for different scenarios and needs. For example:
If you need to review efficiently, you can choose the Cornell note-taking method;
If you like creativity and visual expression, you can try the mind map method or visual note-taking method;
If you need to manage tasks and time, the bullet note method is a good choice.
Choosing a right note-taking method that suits specific tasks and learning styles can significantly improve your learning efficiency and information management capabilities.