Priory Academy LSST

Note-taking report

A-Level Computer Science

Ambarish Sethia
9-5-2023
Contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................3
Main Points...........................................................................................................................................4
Cornell Note Taking Method.............................................................................................................5
Outlining Method..............................................................................................................................6
Mapping Method...............................................................................................................................6
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................7
Bibliography...........................................................................................................................................8
Appendix...............................................................................................................................................9
Abstract
I explored a range of note-taking methods and compare their effectiveness by
researching different methods to answer the question “What note-taking method is
best for me to use in my A-levels?”. The methods that I investigated consisted of the
Cornell method, the outlining method and the mapping method. I consulted a variety
of academic papers with the aim of finding the best suited method for personal use.
I found that while the Cornell note taking method seemed like it was the best method
on paper, using it in my classes can be somewhat tedious. Since the subjects I take
are maths, further maths, computer science and economics, It isn’t as useful in
numerically based subjects as the questions and summary sections will not be used
as much. But, for my other two subjects it could prove to be much more useful than
my current outlining method as the theory side of computer science and economics
do sometimes confuse me and are difficult, the questions section could be useful.

The outlining method, which I currently use can be, at times useful. Although not as
effective for lots of people, when it comes to definitions especially, simply
highlighting the words I am defining can help me a lot of the time. But this cannot
work for all areas of my note taking as it doesn’t help with the longer definitions or to
memorise general concepts. The mapping method also has similar outcomes. In
year 11, I used the mapping method only for my English exams, when I had to
remember quotes and link themes. Now, I do not use it as such and therefore will not
be using it for my A-levels.
Introduction
Taking notes is a vital requirement when learning. Knowing how to take notes is vital
to a better learning. But generally, students aren’t taught how to make notes and it is
up to them how they make their notes. But “how students regulate their learning
often does not match empirical evidence about how best to regulate learning”
(Morehead et al, 2019, p.4) which leads to the bigger problem of them not retaining
the information as well as possible.
Each of the 4 methods below show different ways that students can take notes
effectively. By exploring both their positives and negatives I wish to find the best
method for me.
Main Points
Cornell Note Taking Method
The first method I will be exploring is the Cornell Note Taking Method. The Cornell
method provides a systematic format to condense notes into simple sections on a
page. The page is divided into 3 different sections:
The first section is a vertical line with a width of around 6cm from the left side of the
page from the top down to about 5cm from the bottom. This section is used to write
questions as shown in Figure 1.
The second, main section is used to take simple notes, just a few phrases that are
most memorable. Simple symbols or abbreviations are useful to identify and link
parts of the notes. Other note taking methods can also be combined, like highlighting
or underlining and even mapping.
The third and bottom section, a horizontal section about 5cm in width can be used to
summarise the notes and lesson as this uses a recall technique in order to aide
memorability.
Figure 1.
Example of notes on child development used in instruction of Cornell method of
taking notes.
(Quintus et al, 2012, p. 33)
I think that the Cornell method is useful as it uses clear sections to aide me to
organise my notes better. When the time comes to revise it will be much better to
use as the questions can be used to revise and the summary is good for any final,
last-minute revision. I will be using this as my primary technique for my Economics
and Computer science lessons in the future. The only downside I have found with
this method so far is that it is time consuming and requires a lot of prep work per
page. Since I go through multiple pages per lesson, this can add up to a lot of time
lost which can set me behind on my work.

Outlining Method
The outlining method is a much simpler form of making notes as it involves outlining
key words and phrases that are most important: keywords. Forms of this can be little
diagrams, underlining, highlighting etc. It can even look like Figure 2, usually
depending on the content itself.

Figure 2 (Okafor, 2016)

Though this is and has been my primary form of note taking, I have now realised how ineffective it
can be at times. In my GCSEs, it was much harder to look through my own notes in comparison to
ones I found online. This is due to it being hard to find the more subtle content within all my long
notes. But this method is fast and “outlined notes are brief and economical (and) main points are
easily recognised” (Okafor, 2016)
Mapping Method
The mapping method is a very common method combining diagrams and notes. It
involves creating little bubbles which branch off into the notes. These notes can be
linked to others and these smaller diagrams can also be linked into one big map.
As shown in Figure 3 below, I used this a lot in my GCSEs as it enabled me to learn
quotes for English primarily by sorting them into categories, in this case by the poem
names. By doing this I was able to easily revise my quotes and it helped me as I
managed to remember the quotes very well when the time came.
Figure 3

The advantage of this method is that it creates a visual representation of the notes
and it is easy to read and fit lots of different notes. It also allows for linking to other
notes which neither of the other two methods do. But it also has major
disadvantages. For me, this method can only be used to illustrate shorter notes like
single simple sentences. When it comes to longer, more complex notes, it won’t work
as well and becomes harder to illustrate.
Conclusion
In this report I aimed to find an answer to the question: “What note-taking method is
best for me to use in my A-levels?” and I did find my answer. I have taken 2 types of
subjects. Numerical with fewer notes and essay and theory based, which do require
notes. For these essay and theory based subjects I will be using the Cornell notes as
they will make it easier for revision and for organising them. I shall also incorporate
the outlining method to outline key terms in my Cornell notes to help them stand out.
But the mapping method will not really be used as none of my subjects require it
anymore.
Bibliography
There are no sources in the current document.
(Kayla Morehead, 2019)

Microsoft Word - JEP-Vol.7 No.5 2016 (ed.gov)

Tennessee Chatanooga
Researchgate
Lori Quintus
Appendix