What is The Outline Method?
I used this tactic for years without knowing it had a name and, chances are, you’ve probably used this method too. The Outline Method is one of the most common practices for jotting down information, especially on a laptop, and it is one of the most effective note-taking methods. It’s excellent for lectures and meetings, so long as you don’t need to write down lengthy formulas.
Oxford Learning considers The Outline Method to be the best for “easily creating study questions for review” because this technique structures your notes in a clear, reviewable manner that reduces the time it takes to construct study sheets. Due to its time efficiency, this method works best in a class environment that does not move too quickly. It requires more thought for accurate and logical organization.
How do you use The Outline Method?
The Outline Method uses space indentation to separate new thoughts. Most commonly, people number or bullet separate thoughts in a list format. Major topics are situated farthest to the left. Subtopics sit underneath, indented once to the right. Supplementary points are located beneath the subtopic and indented once more to differentiate them. The level of a point’s importance is based on its distance to the main topic.
Your notes end up molding into a shell of a textbook chapter with an easy-to-follow structure that makes reviewing more effective.
Example:
- Studying with The Outline Method:
- Read each line
- See how every piece of information connects
- Check for information inaccuracy
- Add keywords
- Include words or facts that weren’t originally in your notes
- Use this to help you remember the information better
- Read each line
Why should I use this method?
If you need to digest a lot of information in a limited amount of time, this method breaks down the main points in a lecture. It also breaks down its relationship to the other material so you can review everything in a logically structured format that makes understanding the material easier.
The outline method’s easy-to-use structure is an effective way to remember a sufficient amount of material, more painlessly.
What if I prefer to write notes longhand?
That’s totally fine! The Outline Method works on a keyboard as well as by hand. In fact, the latter is preferred—it helps you better remember what you’re learning. Writing—instead of typing—allows for flexibility because you can draw directly on your paper by adding arrows or lines to connect ideas. You can even add details and keywords in the columns to commit them to memory.
When should I stay away from this method?
If you’re in a program that requires lengthier note taking, graphs, formulas and/or drawing structures, then The Outline Method could prove to be ineffective and problematic. Use a note-taking method that works for your course.
Maybe your issue isn’t taking notes at all. Perhaps, you have difficulty maintaining your focus while studying. If that’s the case, check out Motivational Tips To Keep Studying!
