General    Explanation    Examples

    Ideas

   

Another method of note taking is to divide a page of notebook paper into three columns.  In the far left column, write down all general ideas from the lecture.  In the middle column explain the idea in greater detail and in the right column record specific facts or examples.  This method is called the University of Alberta System, but is used by students throughout Miami University.

 

Two additional note taking methods are the Two-Column approach and the Outline format.  In the Two-Column approach, simply divide your paper into two columns.  The left hand column should be used to write down general lecture notes, while the right hand column should be used to designate ideas or problems you do not understand.  Some students like to include a list of unknown vocabulary words at the bottom.  The Outline format separates your notes into six distinct sections:  who, what, where, when, how, and why.  Though you may not be able to answer all of these questions for each idea, the outline method encourages you to think about all aspects of each topic.

Note Taking Strategies Guidebook