Make It Click – Note-Taking
Try One, Try All!
Note-Taking Methods
There’s no single best way to take notes. The trick is finding a style that helps you stay focused and makes sense when you come back to study. Explore these four popular options and try one out with your own class.
💡Not sure how to start? Pick one method below, download the organizer, and practice on a short reading or lecture clip. Your goal isn’t perfect notes; it’s notes that work for you.
Use Cornell Notes (capture & review fast)
What it looks like: Page divided into three sections — a big note-taking column, a skinny cue column, and a summary at the bottom.
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How it works: Take notes on the right side during class. Afterward, write questions or key terms on the left, and a short summary at the bottom.
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Best for: Classes with lots of definitions, terms, or test prep.
Instructions sample from Comprehension Strategies. Guatemala sample from The Comprehensible Classroom.
- Try it:
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Cornell Notes Template 📥Download this Word template
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Cornell Notes Template (Google Docs)Click "File" and select "Make a copy" to use this Google Doc template.
Organize with Outlines (structure your ideas)
What it looks like: Main ideas on the left, indented bullets for details underneath.
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How it works: Use headings and subpoints to show how ideas fit together.
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Best for: Lecture-based classes with clear structure (history, psychology, business).
Sample from Sheridan Library & Learning Services
Sample outline from Greater University Tutoring Service at UW-Madison
- Try it:
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Google Docs Outline sample (view only)See a sample of a Google template.
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Google Docs Outline Notes template (make a copy)Make a copy and use our template for outline notes.
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Word template for outline notesTry our Word template, which we originally created in Google Docs
Map Connections (see how concepts link)
What it looks like: A web or mind map with a main topic in the center and branches for related points.
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How it works: Start with the big idea in the middle, then add circles/branches for examples, causes, effects, or connections.
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Best for: Science topics, cause-and-effect, processes, or relationships.
Concept map sample from The Learning Strategies Center at Cornell University.
Flow chart map sample from Goodnotes
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Try it :
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Concept Map Organizer (left to right)This sample is organized with main concept on the left and subpoints on the right.
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Concept Map formatThis colorful sample takes a main idea and pulls out 3 sub-topics,