Note-Taking Handouts

The best-kept secret in college success is the wide-margin system of note taking. This system will keep you organized and double as a review tool when the time comes to study for exams.

Using graphic organizers 

If you’re a visual learner, this handout will give your visual brain a number of graphic organizer models that you can use to organize your learning material.

Note-taking links

Follow these links for resources on note taking. Each of these sites offers learning resources appropriate for college-level learners. Please note that neither SPU nor the Center for Learning is responsible for content on the following pages.

• Note-taking systems
  Five different systems to try for taking notes. See what works best for you.
• “Cornell Notes”
  A well-organized description of the Cornell Note-taking System, complete with pictures.
• Take notes faster
  ISWAM: A mnemonic designed to help you take notes when the professor talks fast.
• Taking notes from reading material
  SCROL: A mnemonic designed to help you take notes from an assigned reading.
• Taking notes from a taped lecture
  PP 123: A mnemonic designed to help with note-taking from a taped lecture.
• Don’t get distracted while taking notes in class
  TASSEL: A mnemonic to help you avoid distraction while taking notes in class.
• Detailed note-taking tips to help you study