When it comes to your scientific lab notes, it’s important to have an organized, reliable form of note-taking at your disposal. The outlining method is a great way to keep clear, concise notes of your research and lectures. By breaking down your information into relevant points and subpoints, you create a consistent note-taking structure that is easy to share, study, and review. Take advantage of these benefits of the outlining method for scientific note-taking. Easy to ReviewThe bulleted format of outlining makes it easy to skim your notes and quickly find the information you’re looking for. If you need to find a specific point or piece of data, you can breeze through months of research in just a few minutes. This is a great way to review the main points of a lecture or refresh yourself on any relevant information from your latest experiments. Consistent StructureIt’s important to keep a consistent structure and format across all your notes. Not only does this make it easier to review notes across several different lectures and notebooks, but it also builds stronger note-taking skills as you practice more and more over time. If you use the same method throughout your academic and professional career, you’ll always know what to look for when you go back to review older notebooks. This will also make it a lot easier when you need to gather your data for a research paper, manuscript, or other future projects. Absorb InformationOne of the benefits of the outlining method for scientific note-taking is that it helps you better absorb the information you write. Outlining your notes forces you to avoid writing in full sentences or paragraphs. This keeps you from simply copying down what a lecturer or coworker says. Instead, you must break down and organize the information into the main points and subpoints. This means you put more effort into understanding the information in the moment, which makes it easier to retain—a handy skill when you’re studying your notes in the future. It’s important to find a note-taking method that helps you learn best. When you fill your scientific notebook with clear, well-organized information, you ensure that your notes can continue to serve you and your projects for years to come.
Here is a commonly used method to try if you want to figure out the best way to take notes for your learning style.
The Cornell method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes without laborious recopying. After writing the notes in the main space, use the left-hand space to label each idea and detail with a key word or "cue." Method: Rule your paper with a 2 _ inch margin on the left leaving a six-inch area on the right in which to make notes. During class, take down information in the six-inch area. When the instructor moves to a new point, skip a few lines. After class, complete phrases and sentences as much as possible. For every significant bit of information, write a cue in the left margin. To review, cover your notes with a card, leaving the cues exposed. Say the cue out loud, then say as much as you can of the material underneath the card. When you have said as much as you can, move the card and see if what you said matches what is written. If you can say it, you know it. Advantages: Organized and systematic for recording and reviewing notes. Easy format for pulling outmajor concept and ideas. Simple and efficient. Saves time and effort. "Do-it-right-in-the-first-place system." Disadvantages: None When to Use: In any lecture situation.
Dash or indented outlining is usually best except for some science classes such as physics or math.
Mapping is a method that uses comprehension/concentration skills and evolves in a note-taking form which relates each fact or idea to every other fact or idea. Mapping is a graphic representation of the content of a lecture. It is a method that maximizes active participation, affords immediate knowledge as to its understanding, and emphasizes critical thinking.
If the lecture format is distinct (such as chronological), you may set up your paper by drawing columns and labeling appropriate headings in a table.
Example 1: A revolution is any occurrence that affects other aspects of life, such as economic life, social life, and so forth. Therefore revolutions cause change. (see page 29 to 30 in your text about this.) Sample Notes: Revolution – occurrence that affects other aspects of life: e.g., econ., socl. Etc. C.f. text, pp. 29-30 Example 2: At first, Freud tried conventional, physical methods of treatment such as giving baths, massages, rest cures, and similar aids. But when these failed he tried techniques of hypnosis that he had seen used by Jean-Martin Charcot. Finally, he borrowed an idea from Jean Breuer and used direct verbal communication to get an unhypnotized patient to reveal unconscious thoughts. Sample Notes: Freud 1st– used phys. trtment; e.g., baths, etc. This fld. 2nd – used hypnosis (fr. Charcot). Finally – used vrb. commun. (fr. Breuer) – got unhpynop, patnt to reveal uncons. thoughts. Retrieved from Harvard Law School. |