If you have been searching for note-taking methods, then you have already heard of the
Cornell Method, Mind Maps or the famous outline technique. These methods have been tried
and tested and are recognized as efficient means of taking notes during class or study
sessions. They provide a well-defined framework for organizing concepts, information, and
arguments.

But even if they are great, which they are, you might be sick and tired of hearing of those
three. So in this blog, we will cover note-taking methods usually which no one talks about.
There are also incredible ways to organise information and ideas without resorting to the
traditional note-taking methods.

Below are the three note-takings methods:

1. The Split Page Method

If you are dealing with factually dense subjects, this note-taking technique is an excellent
choice as it serves as an alternative to flashcards. It encourages active recall after your
lectures or when preparing for assessments. You can adapt it according to your class by
employing facts, topics, or questions.

All you need to do is, divide the page in half, write the name of the topic or question that
needs to be answered on the left side of the page, and provide the corresponding
definition or response on the right column. You can also make it interesting by folding the
page to make it more challenging, and quizzing yourself on these topics.

2. Q/E/C Method

The Q/E/C note-taking method is a technique used to take effective notes during lectures,
discussions, or when reading academic texts. Q/E/C stands for Question, Evidence and
Conclusion. This note-taking strategy is designed to help students organise their thoughts,
summarise information, and improve comprehension.

Here’s how the Q/E/C note-taking method works:

1. Question: Write down any questions you have as you read the text or pay attention to
   the lecture in the left-hand margin/top portion of your notebook or piece of paper.
   These can be queries on the subject matter, definitions, explanations, or anything
   else that you need to comprehend more clearly
2. Explanation: Write down the primary ideas, justifications, and facts in the main
   section of your notebook, that address the queries you’ve listed on the left side/top
   portion of your notebook or paper. Try to summarise the information in a few
   sentences by putting it in your own words.
3. Connection: Make links between the facts you are learning and your prior knowledge
   or experiences in the right-hand margin/bottom of your notebook or paper. This aids
   in making connections between new material and what you already know, which can
   help with comprehension and retention.

3. Morse Code Method

Cal Newport came up with the idea for the Morse code way of taking notes, which focuses
mostly on utilising written materials.If you come across a sentence that appears to be
outlining a main idea, you should mark it in the margin with a dot. If you then come across an
example or explanation that supports that main idea, you should mark it in the margin with a
dash.

This enables you to continue reading without breaking the momentum and take the notes
easily. The process of taking the dot’s you’ve written and turning them into notes is known as
the processing stage, and it basically requires you to summarise the main idea into your own
words in a bullet point. You can then take all these points and review them in the format of
questions : What is the main question being asked in the article?What is the conclusion the
author points towards?

Conclusion

Now as we have given you the three best note-taking methods, all you need to do is start
executing it on your NARA Smart Reusable notebook. Unlike regular notebooks, once your
reusable notebook is full, all you need to do is scan the page with any mobile application and
upload it on the cloud. Now with a wet damp cloth just wipe the page, you get a completely
new page at your disposal every time.

These best note-taking methods will not only help you understand the concepts you are
learning, but will also help you revise and revisit the contents when exams are around. We
hope this secret note-taking methods blog was worth your while and you start implementing
it in your study routine from today itself.

You can also read our previous blog on how to track habits like a pro and follow us on Instagram, to make your life much more disciplined and organized.