Notes that stick

The Skeleton Method

The Outline Method, also known as ‘The Skeleton Method’, is one of the most popular and well-known approaches to taking notes. This simple method is often promoted at educational institutes such as schools and universities. It involves creating headings and subheadings for each central theme with a list of keywords and phrases below, creating a natural sense of hierarchy and order throughout the page.

However, summarising content chronologically (i.e. following the order it was delivered in) creates some potential drawbacks: as subheadings are created in a linear format, it can be challenging to estimate how much content must fall under each topic. Adding extra bullets under past subheadings can prove tricky, especially during less structured meetings, brainstorms or creative workshops.

Nonetheless, the Outline Method is a quick and reliable way to record key information in a structured format. Although not as flexible or creative as some of the other methods, Outline notes are applicable to a wide range of contexts and make a handy structure for quickly capturing information.

The Cornell Method

Developed by Cornell professor Walter Pauk in the mid-20th century, the Cornell Method of notetaking has continued to grow steadily in popularity among contemporary audiences. Building off the structured conventions of the traditional Outline Method, Cornell notes extend a step further by emphasising active summarising and ongoing reflection.

Cornell note-taking involves dividing the page into three sections: Key Concepts or Prompts on the left, General Notes on the right, and a Summary spanning across the bottom quarter. Through summarising content in one’s own words, Cornell notes effectively distil complex ideas into simple and memorable prompts, encouraging purposeful note-taking, critical reflection, and long-term retention of information.

Research suggests this method is particularly effective in recording and recalling step-by-step methods, formulas or processes. However, who’s to say Cornell notes can’t become part of your day-to-day?

Curious how this method could look for you? Refer to the gallery above for some further inspo!

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2 The Conversation
3 Allison Innes

The Mapping Method

A popular approach loved by STEM students, business professionals and creatives alike – could Mapping be the ultimate notetaking method?

The Mapping Method, also known as ‘Mind Mapping’ or ‘Concept Mapping’, involves visually interpreting the links and relationships between various concepts within a diagrammatical structure. As a non-linear note-taking approach (i.e. not reliant on the order in which information is delivered), the Mapping Method offers plenty of flexibility to include as much (or little!) information as needed while allowing additional notes to be inserted under any topic or subheading regardless of when the information was delivered.

The web-like structures create a visual hierarchy, making mind maps not only engaging but also easy to expand upon, share and be interpreted by others. The list of specific features defining a concept map is relatively loose, allowing you to customise and develop your own conventions.

For example, adding symbols or colour can easily introduce further hierarchy. Prefer to work digitally? Add images, typefaces or diagrams to create additional hierarchy or add extra detail to your notes!

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2 Behance
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The Sketchnoting Method

The term ‘sketchnoting’, coined by author Michael Rohde in 2006 before publishing his book ‘The Sketchnote Handbook,’ describes the act of combining traditional notetaking with sketched illustrations to enhance memorability.

While it can be tempting to assume sketchnoting should be left to artists and designers, studies suggest everyone can benefit from incorporating visuals into their note-taking to enhance memorability.

According to William Klem, a professor of neuroscience at Texas A&M University, sketchnoting helps create tangible ‘story chains’, allowing the brain to better recall information and related concepts encapsulated in images. Doodling can help improve information retention by up to 29% regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a practising artist — the power lies in the links your mind creates between ideas and images.

The practice takes inspiration from the Mapping Method in its non-linear approach to creating a visual hierarchy. However, by incorporating symbols, icons, visual metaphors and illustrations, sketchnotes can advance deeper by creating new layers of meaning in highly personalised notes with expressions of creative flair.

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Final Thoughts

There is no one-style-fits-all: note-taking is as diverse as personal, with each method offering unique benefits suited to individual learning styles and preferences. Whether you prefer the structured approach of outlining or the Cornell Method, the visual organisation of the Mapping Method, or the creative freedom of Sketchnoting, the key lies in finding what works best for you.

Ultimately, the purpose of taking notes remains constant: to transform information into knowledge that empowers learning and understanding. Experimenting with different techniques can uncover new insights into how you process and retain information effectively — and it may even be worth mixing and matching parts of these four methods to create one unique to your workflow and preferences.

So, embrace the method that resonates most with you, and watch your notes evolve into a powerful tool for learning and personal growth.