What are the five methods of note making? Explain them in detail listing the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

The five methods of note making are:

1. The Cornell method
2. The taxonomizing method
3. The outlining method
4. The mapping method
5. The sentence method

1. The Cornell method:

In this method of note taking you do not have re write the notes as fair copy.

Advantages of Cornell method:

1.    It is organized and systematic which helps in recording and reviewing notes.

2.    It is an easy format for pulling out major concepts and ideas.

3.    It is a simple and efficient method.

4.    This method undoubtedly saves time and effort.

5.    This method does not necessitate the need to rewrite the notes all over again.

Disadvantages of Cornell method:

(1)  Requires more thought in class for accurate organization.

(2)  This system may not show relationships by sequence when needed.

(3)  It doesn’t lend to diversity of a review attach for maximum learning and question application.

(4)  This system cannot be used if the lecture is too fast.

 2. The Taxonomizing method

            This is a systematic method of note taking that facilitates you in taking down notes or a summary as quickly as possible, since the format for the purpose has been already created by you.

              Advantages of taxonomizing method

                  1. It helps track relevant contents.

                  2. This method reduces the amount of unnecessary writing.

           3. It provides easy review mechanism for both memorization of facts and study of comparisons and relationships.

            Disadvantages of taxonomizing method

1. Can be a hard system to learn to use.
2. One need to know the content that will be covered during the lecture before it begins.

3. The outlining method

This type of note taking follows the Indented style. Outlining is usually the best method for lectures and texts that are informative. In this method, the most general information is written on the left, with each more specific group of facts indented with spaces to the right.

Advantages of the outlining method:

1. It is a well-organized system if used rightly.

2. Outlining helps in recording content as well as observing relationship among various points.

3. Turning main points into questions helps keep the review process easy.

4. Instills more confidence while preparing for exams and for presentations.

Disadvantages of the outlining method:

1. The note taker should know the subject matter before hand for accurate organization of the notes.

2. There is limited scope for reviewing and question application because it is very brief. For details one has to look at the original text or source.

3. This system cannot be used if the lecture is rushed through.

4. The mapping method

It is a graphic representation of the whole talk or lecture and so the listener should know the link between the ideas mentioned in the talk.

Advantages of Mapping Method:

1. It helps you track the lecture or talk visually.

2. It employs your critical thinking.

3. It is easy to review the whole information quickly.

4. Different colours can be used for highlighting.

5. If prepared on the flash-card later, it will give you an opportunity to do quick revision before the examination.

Disadvantage of Mapping method

You may not hear changes in content from major points to facts. 

5. The sentence method

It is a method which is used by the students who do not know any of the other note taking methods. In this method the notes are taken as complete sentences.

Advantages of the Sentence Method:

1. You get more or all the information.

2. Gives enough idea of the content of the actual text.

Disadvantages of the Sentence Method:

1. Sometimes you cannot determine the major/minor points from the numbered sequence.

2. It is difficult to edit without rewriting by bringing together points which are related.