Effective Note-Taking and Study Techniques Every High School Student Should Master
Mastering the skill of note-taking is essential in academia and, honestly, in everyday life. I am constantly taking notes or creating lists to keep on top of my daily/weekly/monthly to-dos. Whether I’m learning a new skill or making a shopping list, I like to keep my notes clear and organized so that I can refer to them later and understand what I noted.
When it comes to education, taking good notes is the key to capturing essential concepts during a lesson and building a solid foundation for comprehension during coursework and study sessions. As a tutor, one of the most powerful ways you can support your students is by introducing them to simple yet effective note-taking and study strategies that will set them up for success not only in high school but in their future academic endeavors, including preparing for the ACT® and SAT®.
We know that not all students learn the same way, which is why offering a variety of methods is crucial. By tailoring note-taking and study techniques to match your students’ unique learning styles, you help them develop habits that will benefit them in the long run.
Below are some essential note-taking techniques and study strategies you can introduce to your clients to utilize during class, tutoring sessions, and independent study time. These methods will be invaluable tools for your students now and throughout college.
Top 5 Effective Note-Taking Strategies
You’ve most likely heard of and used some, if not most, of these note-taking strategies. Classic techniques like the Cornell method and outlining have stood the test of time, and many students have found great success using them. However, if those traditional methods aren’t quite working for some of your students, newer approaches like the sentence strategy and more visual techniques such as charting and mind mapping could be the game-changers they need to elevate their note-taking skills.
Let’s dive into the top five most valuable note-taking strategies, so you can confidently teach these methods to your students and help them choose the one that best suits their learning style and academic needs. With the right tools, your students will be better prepared for any note-taking opportunity, whether in class or during their prep sessions for the ACT® or SAT®.
1. The Cornell Method
The Cornell Method is a structured approach to note-taking that’s especially useful during class lectures. Students divide their paper into three sections:
a narrow column on the left for key points or questions,
a wide column on the right for the main ideas, and
a summary section at the bottom.
Why it works: The Cornell Method forces students to review their notes after class by summarizing the main ideas and quizzing themselves using the key points. It’s an excellent strategy for students prepping for exams like the SAT® or ACT® that require deep content mastery.
2. The Sentence Strategy
This method involves writing one concise sentence for each key point, often in a numbered list. It’s perfect for fast-paced lectures where capturing everything word-for-word isn’t feasible.
Why it works: The Sentence Method allows students to jot down information quickly and provides enough structure so they can easily go back and expand on their notes after class. For students juggling multiple test-prep subjects, this method keeps things simple and organized.
3. The Outlining Technique
When students need to organize notes logically and hierarchically, the Outlining Method is a perfect fit. Main ideas are written at the margin, and subtopics and supporting details are indented beneath them.
Why it works: Outlining gives students a clear structure, making it easier to review information and see how different topics connect. This method is ideal for subjects that have a lot of facts and subtopics, like history or science.
4. The Charting Method
For comparing multiple topics or concepts, the Charting Method is highly visual (keep that in mind for your visual learners!). Students create a table or chart with categories across the top and topics down the side, filling in key details for comparison.
Why it works: This method is especially useful when students need to compare items quickly, such as vocabulary words, historical events, or math formulas. The visual nature of charts can help students better absorb and recall information.
5. Mind Mapping
Mind maps are a creative and visual way for students to connect ideas. Starting with a central concept, students draw branches to related subtopics, making the relationships between ideas clear.
Why it works: Mind mapping is especially effective for students who think visually and prefer to see the “big picture.” It’s a great way to brainstorm essay topics or map out complex math problems.
Personally, I’ve found ways to incorporate each of these note-taking strategies depending on the subject and situation. For example, during a lecture or long meeting, I often rely on the sentence method. When I need to brainstorm creatively, mind mapping is my go-to. Mastering a variety of techniques allows me to choose the most effective strategy for any given moment, and you’ll find that both you and your students can do the same. With practice, your students will develop the flexibility to select the method that best suits their needs, setting them up for success both now and in the future.
4 Study Strategies for Success
Solid note-taking often leads to more successful study sessions. After all, notes frequently hold more value than the textbook itself, as students rely on them to review main ideas, key concepts, and useful examples.
Here are four ways your students can turn those simple, well-organized notes into effective study sessions that will enhance their understanding of the material and improve retention.
1. Convert Handwritten Notes to Digital
Encourage your students to use tools like Google Docs or Adobe Scan to turn their handwritten notes into digital documents. This makes it easier to organize, search, and revise their notes without having to rewrite everything.
BONUS TIP: Scanning with software that has Optical Character Recognition (OCR) can make your notes become searchable text. Note: Mileage may vary depending on the software you use and your handwriting clarity.
Why it works: Handwriting notes enhances memory, but having a digital copy ensures students can quickly review or share their notes with others, which is especially helpful during test prep.
2. Try the Pomodoro Technique
Introduce your students to the Pomodoro Technique—studying in short bursts of 25 minutes followed by 5-minute breaks. This can help them maintain focus without getting overwhelmed.
Why it works: This technique teaches time management and encourages students to break their study sessions into manageable chunks, which is crucial when preparing for long exams like the SAT® or ACT®.
3. Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition
Active recall involves quizzing themselves on material rather than passively reviewing it, while spaced repetition helps reinforce learning over time. Apps like Quizlet or Anki can automate this process.
Why it works: These methods have been proven to enhance memory and retention, making them perfect for students who need to commit large amounts of information to memory.
4. Teach Someone Else
Encourage your students to explain difficult concepts to a friend, a study group, or even back to you. Teaching the material is a highly effective way to cement understanding.
Why it works: Explaining a topic out loud forces students to process the information in a deeper way. This can be especially useful when preparing for the verbal reasoning or essay sections of exams.
Just like with the note-taking methods, encourage your students to select the study strategy that best aligns with the subject or test they’re preparing for. Tailoring their approach to what works for them will make their study sessions more effective and personalized for their learning style.
Why These Strategies Matter for Long-Term Success
One of the most impactful things you can do for your students is to help them build strong study habits now. Developing these skills in high school will make it easier for them to handle the increased demands of college-level work. By introducing a variety of note-taking and study strategies early on, you’re equipping your students with a toolbox of methods that they can adapt to any subject or learning environment.
The real key to success lies in helping your students discover the strategies that align best with their individual learning differences and styles. Whether they’re visual learners who benefit from mind mapping and charts, or more linear thinkers who thrive with structured outlines, having flexible approaches allows them to stay organized and confident as they study.
As you continue to guide your students through their test prep journey, take time to explore and practice these methods together. By doing so, you’re setting them up not just for success on the ACT® or SAT®, but for academic achievement throughout high school, college, and beyond. With the right tools in hand, your students will be prepared to tackle any challenge that comes their way.
We hope that you are enjoying our blog. For helpful tips and test-prep guidance, be sure to subscribe and get email updates. As always, thank you for reading!
Step into the Digital Age of SAT® Prep!
The SAT® made the switch to all-digital testing—and so has Clear Choice Prep!
We’re ready to equip your tutoring business with top-tier, fully digital test-prep courses. Our white-label, all-digital, adaptive Digital SAT® practice tests come with accurate, algorithmic scoring, granting your tutors and students access to the vital data required for custom instruction and score enhancement.
Ready to upgrade your test prep? Schedule a free demo and experience it yourself!