Trying and experimenting with different study strategies is an important step toward academic progress and personal growth. This page offers tips and tools to support your efforts—from taking organized, effective notes and reviewing them, to breaking assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of course material, develop practical study habits, and build confidence in your ability to learn and grow.
The activities on this page are set up so you can jump in where you need help the most. However, if you use all of them, you’ll be able to:
Write notes using the Cornell, Outline, or Mind-Mapping methods.
Use active learning strategies to review your notes.
Break large homework assignments into manageable, time-bound chunks.
Taking Notes
When it comes to note taking, several effective strategies can enhance your studies, including Cornell Notes, Outline Notes, and Mind Mapping. The Cornell Note-Taking System organizes your page into sections for keywords, detailed notes, and summaries, promoting active engagement and easier recall during exams. Outline Notes structure information logically with bullet points or numbers, providing clarity and making it ideal for subjects like history, science, or literature. Mind Mapping uses a central concept with branching ideas, incorporating colors and images to boost memory and visualize connections. Choosing the right method based on your learning style and the material can save time, increase engagement, and develop strong study habits that contribute to academic success.
Mind Mapping
Mind Mapping is a visual note-taking technique that organizes information creatively and non-linearly. Starting with a central concept, you branch out with connected ideas, making it easier to visualize relationships between topics. This method is ideal for brainstorming, planning projects, or studying complex subjects by allowing you to see the big picture while keeping track of details. Mind maps typically use different colors, images, and symbols to enhance engagement and differentiation of information. The non-linear structure promotes free thinking and easy connections between concepts, which boosts memory and retention by engaging both sides of the brain. Additionally, mind mapping facilitates creative problem-solving and makes studying for exams or reviewing material quicker and more enjoyable by clearly laying out all relevant information.
Outline Notes are a structured note-taking method that organizes information into a logical, tiered format using bullet points or numbers. This approach allows students to capture main ideas as the foundation and add supporting details beneath each point, similar to building a tower. Ideal for subjects with extensive details like history, science, or literature, Outline Notes help break down complex information into manageable sections. The hierarchical structure not only makes it easier to follow and understand the material during lectures or readings but also simplifies reviewing and studying later. Benefits of Outline Notes include enhanced clarity and organization, efficient time management by summarizing key points instead of writing full sentences, and improved active listening by focusing on essential information. This method is particularly effective for information-heavy subjects, ensuring that important concepts are well-organized and easily accessible for study sessions.
The Cornell Note-Taking System is a structured method that enhances note organization and information retention by dividing the page into three sections: a cue column for keywords or questions, a main notes area for detailed information during lectures or readings, and a summary section at the bottom to consolidate main ideas after reviewing. This approach promotes active engagement and regular reflection, making it easier to recall information during exams and study sessions. Benefits of using Cornell Notes include improved focus and comprehension, efficient organization of complex ideas, productive review sessions, and streamlined exam preparation. Studies have shown that this method significantly boosts retention and understanding, making studying less stressful and more effective.
Regardless of your note taking method, they become much more useful when you use them to actively learn. This interactive tool helps you turn your raw notes into clear outlines, charts, or mind maps. Changing your lecture notes into study aids is a great way to understand and remember the material. By structuring key ideas and seeing how they connect, you’ll stay focused on what matters most. This organized approach also makes it easier when you study for tests or do projects later, since all your main concepts are laid out. Converting your notes to active learning tools will help you learn more effectively, and master concepts.
Tackling Your Homework
Studying effectively isn’t only about taking good notes—it also means knowing how to handle your homework. It can be tough to get started, especially if the work feels too big or overwhelming. This tool helps you break your homework into 25-minute blocks, making large tasks feel more manageable. By checking your progress and reflecting on each block, you’ll stay motivated and develop better study habits over time. With regular practice, you’ll not only keep up with your homework but also build the confidence and skills you need to succeed in all your classes.
gpointstudio Links to an external site./stock.adobe.com Unrecognizable caucasian teenage girl sitting on floor and making notes on flash cards (Adobe Stock Education License).
Pakin Links to an external site./stock.adobe.com Standardization and certification concept. Businessman with document, quality certificate and checklist, setting marketing planning assignment with quality management (Adobe Stock Education License).
Piolat, A. (2001). La prise de notes [Note Taking]. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France.
Teachings in Education. (2017, November 21). Mind Mapping | Teaching Strategies #3 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCyjFipytRE&t=1s
