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Note-taking: a Practical Guide

Outline method

Dive into the world of effective note-taking strategies.
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The Outline method


What is the Outline method?


The Outline method is a traditional and effective technique for organising notes in a structured and hierarchical format.

This method ranks information by importance using a system of main topics and subpoints, typically combining numbers, letters, or bullet points. This hierarchical structure clearly shows the connections between the main ideas and their supporting details.

It’s especially suited for subjects with well-defined structures and can easily be adapted for self-paced learning.

When to use the Outline method

The outline method can work well in courses that follow a traditional and organised teaching approach.

Consider using it as a study aid when you plan to reorganise or rewrite notes later.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Outline method

Advantages

  • Ideal for subjects with a clear structure, making identifying key concepts and supporting information easy.
  • It transforms notes into study questions; headings and indentations show topic relationships, aiding in active recall.
  • Well-suited for online learners and compatible with digital note-taking, enhancing organisation and accessibility.
  • Outlines clearly demarcate main ideas from details, facilitating comprehension and memory retention.

Disadvantages

  • May lead to passive note-taking without critical engagement or reflection on the material.
  • Difficult to insert additional information or ideas without disrupting the structure.
  • It is not so suitable for disciplines that rely heavily on visual elements or problem-solving, like STEM subjects such as physics, chemistry, or maths.
  • Not ideal for lectures that progress too quickly or lack a clear, structured approach.

Outline method example

First main point

  • Subheading
    • Supporting idea
    • Supporting idea
  • Subheading
    • Supporting idea
      • Example

Second main point

  • Subheading
    • Supporting idea
    • Supporting idea

Taking notes with the Outline method

  1. Begin with a main topic, noting it on the left side of your page.
  2. Indent to the right and add subheadings under the main topic to cover related ideas.
  3. For detailed points supporting your subheadings, indent further to the right.
  4. Continue this pattern of indentation to represent levels of information hierarchy.

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