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.
Mind Mapping
A visual method of organising information around a central concept, with related ideas branching out.
Best for
Visual learners who process information better with colours and images.
Students who need to break down complex topics into simpler parts.
Pros
Highly customisable with colours, symbols, and images.
Helps students see relationships between ideas.
Cons
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.
How to use it
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.
Flow Notes
An unstructured, freeform method where students write down ideas as they understand them, connecting and summarising as they go.
Best for
Students who prefer flexibility and creativity in their approach.
Those who find structured methods like Cornell too restrictive.
Pros
Encourages real-time processing of information.
Adaptable to individual preferences and styles.
Cons
Can become messy or disorganised without practice.
May not suit students who need clear structure and guidance.
How to use it
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.
Charting Method
A structured approach that uses tables or grids to categorise and organise information.
Best for
Students who need help organising information logically.
Those studying subjects that involve categorisation, like history or science.
Pros
Provides a clear, visual structure.
Makes comparisons and relationships between topics easier to see.
Cons
Less useful for subjects without clear categories.
Requires careful setup, which can be time-consuming.
How to use it
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.
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.
Best for
Students who are visual learners or enjoy drawing.
Those who benefit from non-linear formats.
Pros
Engages creativity and visual memory.
Makes note-taking more interactive and enjoyable.
Cons
Can be distracting for students who aren’t confident with drawing.
May require more time to create than traditional methods.
How to use it
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.