--- title: 2-Column Notes vs. Visual Notes description: Did you know that studies have shown that students that hand-write their notes learn more than those that type their notes? I mention this because notes are one of the most crucial tools in keeping students organized and allowing them to develop their own understanding of new material, but when is the last time that anyone has thought about how they're taking notes? image: https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/Blog%20Title%20(6).png --- - [Login](https://www.chch.org/app) Search - [Parent/Guardian](https://www.chch.org/parentguardian) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/admissions/apply) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/Main-Banner-Logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Blog](https://blog.chch.org) - [myCH-CH](https://chch.myschoolapp.com/app#login) - [Back to CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch) - [Reopening Plan](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-plan) - [Reopening Videos](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-videos) - [Community Resources](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/community-resources) - [FAQ and Links](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/faqs-and-links) - [Reopening Translations](https://www.chch.org/back-to-ch-ch/reopening-translations) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions) - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions) - [Why CH-CH?](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch) - [Why CH-CH?](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch) - [We Teach the Way Students Learn](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch/we-teach-the-way-students-learn) - [Challenge/Support](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/why-ch-ch/challengesupport) - [Inquire Now](https://info.chch.org/inquire) - [Visit CH-CH](https://info.chch.org/book-a-ch-ch-campus-visit) - [Apply](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/apply) - [Affording](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording) - [Affording](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording) - [Need-Based Financial Aid](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/need-based-financial-aid) - [Charger Scholarship](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/charger-scholarship) - [Waltham Scholarships](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/waltham-scholarships) - [Tuition](https://www.chch.org/page/admissions/affording/tuition) - [CH-CH Admissions Virtual Experience](https://www.chch.org/admissions/ch-ch-virtual-experience) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Our Approach](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-approach) - [Anti-Racism & Equity Initiatives](https://www.chch.org/about/anti-racism--equity-initiatives) - [Our Students](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-students) - [Our Teachers](https://www.chch.org/page/about/our-teachers) - [Leadership](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership) - [Leadership](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership) - [2020 Strategic Plan](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership/2020-strategic-plan) - [Trustees and Advisors](https://www.chch.org/page/about/leadership/trustees-and-advisors) - [Campus](https://www.chch.org/page/about/campus) - [History](https://www.chch.org/page/about/history) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment) - [Teaching Fellows](https://www.chch.org/page/about/employment/teaching-fellows) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Curriculum](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/curriculum) - [Skills and Academic Support](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/skills-and-academic-support) - [Beyond the Classroom](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/beyond-the-classroom) - [College Counseling](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [College Counseling](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Matriculation List](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/college-counseling/matriculation-list) - [Advisor & Grade Level Programs](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/advisor--grade-level-programs) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Residential Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/residential-life) - [Athletics](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics) - [Athletics](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics) - [Team Pages](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics/team-pages) - [Athletics Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/athletics/athletics-calendar) - [Theatre Program](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/theatre-program) - [Get Involved](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved) - [Get Involved](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved) - [Community Service](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/get-involved/community-service) - [Dining Services](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life/dining-services) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Welcome from Advancement](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/welcome-from-advancement) - [Ways to Support](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support) - [Ways to Support](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support) - [Annual Fund](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Building Creativity](https://buildingcreativity.chch.org/page) - [Parent/Guardian Association](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/parentguardian-association) - [Give Now](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/give-now) - [Parents](https://www.chch.org/page/parents) - [Parents](https://www.chch.org/page/parents) - [Resources for Our Community](https://www.chch.org/page/parents/resources-for-our-community) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [Alumni](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni) - [The Chronicle Magazine](https://www.chch.org/page/alumni/the-chronicle-magazine) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch/ways-to-support/annual-fund) - [Summer](https://www.runningbrook.org/) - [Calendar](https://www.chch.org/page/ch-ch-calendar) - [Contact](https://www.chch.org/page/contact) - [Employment](https://www.chch.org/page/employment) - [Directions](https://www.chch.org/page/directions) - [Contact Us](https://www.chch.org/page/contact-us) # Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Blog: Take Charge # 2-Column Notes vs. Visual Notes Posted by [Maura Henry](https://blog.chch.org/author/maura-henry) on 9/26/18 11:53 AM Did you know that [studies](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/)have shown that students that hand-write their notes learn more than those that type their notes? I mention this because notes are one of the most crucial tools in keeping students organized and allowing them to develop their own understanding of new material, but when is the last time that anyone has thought about *how* they're taking notes? ![Blog Title (6)](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Title%20(6).png?width=550&name=Blog%20Title%20(6).png)   Over the years I have worked with a lot of students on improving their note-taking. By matching a student with a note-taking style that matches their learning style, it sets them up for success.   If you've ever thought, "I'll look back at my notes", and then *not* found what you were looking for or missed a question on a quiz and had the teacher tell you, "We went over that in class", then I encourage you to consider trying the following note-taking styles that have been proven effective.   You've been a student for many years. You've had a variety of classes. You already know A LOT about note-taking. Take the basic 5Ws of it:   1. **Who** should take notes? You, of course! 2. **What** should you write down? Key information, including new concepts, important people, essential vocabulary, and so on. 3. **Where** should you take notes? In every class! 4. **When** should you take notes? Every day! 5. **Why** should you take notes? [Research](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-learning-secret-don-t-take-notes-with-a-laptop/)shows that students who hand-write their notes actually learn more than students who type their notes.   See! You are already quite knowledgeable about the basics of note-taking. When we get to that sixth basic question, though, that's when things get a little murky...**How** should you take notes?  [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/ac8250d0-9aa3-4310-82bb-9f4e96a47f44.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4008772/ac8250d0-9aa3-4310-82bb-9f4e96a47f44) #### **2-Column Note-Taking** Two-column notes, also sometimes called Cornell notes, are one useful way to keep track of important information from class. This method separates main ideas from details and gives you the opportunity to synthesize and summarize your learning. To start, you should divide your paper into two columns, leaving solid rectangles at the top and bottom of the page. Your paper might look like this:   ![2 Column Note-Taking](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2%20Column%20Note-Taking.png?width=389&name=2%20Column%20Note-Taking.png)   - Your Title should include the date and the overall topic or unit name. - Your Main Ideas should be the subtopics that the teacher or the reading focuses on that day. You can identify a subtopic in the *text* by looking for a heading, usually written in **bold.** You can identify a subtopic in a *lecture* by listening for the teacher's pauses and language like, "OK, now I want to turn to..." - Your Details should be all of the info related to the Main Ideas. Your Details will likely take the form of a list of notes. - Your Summary should be completed after class - ideally at home or in study hall as you review your notes. This is where you knit together the ideas you learned about and connect them to previous knowledge.   Two-column notes have a format that is helpful when referring back to notes while studying for quizzes and tests. They often work well for students who have strong linguistic skills, and they can be adapted to suit students' needs and wants.   #### **Visual Note-Taking** Visual notes, also sometimes called flow notes or sketch notes, are image-based and follow the main ideas of the lecture or reading in a creative way. They are usually a combination of pictures, words, and arrows or other indicators, and they can take a variety of forms. Let's look at one student example:   ![Visual Note](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Visual%20Note.png?width=350&name=Visual%20Note.png)   Notice the following features: - The Title stands out because it is written larger than the other text on the page. - Color is used to indicate a variety of information. For instance, words written in the same color have related meanings. When a new color is introduced, it means a new idea is being introduced. - Boxes ▢ and bubbles separate ideas from each other. - Arrows → and equal signs = show connections and meanings.       Visual notes can be helpful because they create a mind map of the information students will need to recall. They often work well for students who have strong visual/spatial skills, and they, too, can be adapted to suit students’ needs and wants.   #### **So Which Method Should I Use?** Well, it’s really up to you! If you enjoy drawing, try visual notes. If you’re more word-y, try two-column notes. If you’re not sure, give each method a try! As a reminder, the similarities and differences between the two methods are shown below. If you want to combine the two approaches, check out this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZgMpjjgCRA)! Remember, finding a note-taking strategy that works for you may take time but is totally worth it.   ![Venn Diagram Notes](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Venn%20Diagram%20Notes.png?width=409&name=Venn%20Diagram%20Notes.png)   Maura Henry is the Skills and Academic Support Department Chair at [Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School](http://chch.org) in Waltham, MA. [Learn more](https://www.chch.org/page/academics/skills-and-academic-support) about the curriculum of the Skills and Academic Support Department at CH-CH.  Topics: [Multiple Intelligences](https://blog.chch.org/tag/multiple-intelligences), [Student Wellness](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-wellness), [Student Skill Building](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-skill-building) [![Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School Teaches the Way Students Learn - Learn More Here](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/ee5a5e1f-308d-4498-b1e7-3cfa76f191e9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4008772/ee5a5e1f-308d-4498-b1e7-3cfa76f191e9) [![Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB](https://blog.chch.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg?width=650&height=474&name=Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB.jpg "Take-Charge-Blog-Logo-WEB")](https://blog.chch.org/) ### Subscribe Here! [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4008772/69e987de-0a90-414e-ad1f-8fc6398a4406.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4008772/69e987de-0a90-414e-ad1f-8fc6398a4406) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall (80)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/chapel-hill-chauncy-hall) - [Boarding School (37)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/boarding-school) - [Student Skill Building (32)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-skill-building) - [Caring Community (21)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/caring-community) - [Student Wellness (21)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/student-wellness) - [Alumni (17)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni) - [Beyond the Classroom (14)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/beyond-the-classroom) - [Multiple Intelligences (14)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/multiple-intelligences) - [Teacher Spotlight (12)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/teacher-spotlight) - [Athletics (10)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/athletics) - [Leadership (10)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/leadership) - [Inclusion (8)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/inclusion) - [Embracing Diversity (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/embracing-diversity) - [Graduation (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/graduation) - [Matriculation (7)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/matriculation) - [Building Creativity (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/building-creativity) - [College Counseling (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/college-counseling) - [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) - [Experiential Learning (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/experiential-learning) - [Study Guide and Strategies (6)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/study-guide-and-strategies) - [Admissions (5)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/admissions) - [Alumni Entrepreneurs (5)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni-entrepreneurs) - [Alumni Artists (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/alumni-artists) - [Anti-Racism (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/anti-racism) - [Class of 2020 (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2020) - [Middle School (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/middle-school) - [Visual and Performing Arts (4)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/visual-and-performing-arts) - [Making Caring Common (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/making-caring-common) - [Rewrite Your Story (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/rewrite-your-story) - [Running Brook Camps (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/running-brook-camps) - [Studying Tips (3)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/studying-tips) - [Class of 2019 (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2019) - [Community Service (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/community-service) - [Healthy Eating at School (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/healthy-eating-at-school) - [Inspiration Video (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/inspiration-video) - [Self-Care Strategies (2)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/self-care-strategies) - [Class of 2021 (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/class-of-2021) - [Empathy (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/empathy) - [Executive Function (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/executive-function) - [Halloween (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/halloween) - [Harvard Graduate School of Education (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/harvard-graduate-school-of-education) - [Independent Study (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/independent-study) - [International Program (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/international-program) - [MakerSpace (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/makerspace) - [Winter Carnival (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/winter-carnival) - [homecoming (1)](https://blog.chch.org/tag/homecoming) See all [![CHCH](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/2018logo.png)](https://www.chch.org/Page) ### Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall [785 Beaver Street](https://goo.gl/maps/HTzUxaZgVv52) [Waltham, MA 02452](https://goo.gl/maps/HTzUxaZgVv52) [781-314-0800](tel:7813140800) [admissions@chch.org](mailto:admissions@chch.org) - [![Facebook](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258166_96536.png)](https://www.facebook.com/ChapelHillChauncyHall) - [![Instagram](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258167_96535.png)](http://instagram.com/chchschool/) - [![Twitter](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258168_96534.png)](https://twitter.com/chchtweets) - [![Flickr](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258169_96533.png)](https://www.flickr.com/photos/chapelhill-chauncyhall/collections) - [![YouTube](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1258170_96532.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCHCHSchool) Located 10 miles from Boston, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall is a coeducational college preparatory school that teaches the way students learn. The School welcomes students with diverse learning styles and helps them to develop self-confidence and achieve academic success through personalized, integrated learning. Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall offers 180 boarding and day students a richly diverse cultural and academic environment and opportunities to engage in the arts, athletics and community service. Our [Privacy Policy](http://www.chch.org/privacy). - [![NEASC](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263776_97171.png)](https://www.neasc.org/) - [![TABS](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263770_97172.png)](https://www.boardingschools.com/) - [![SBSA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263769_97173.png)](https://www.sbsaonline.org/) - [![NBOA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263767_97174.png)](https://www.nboa.org) - [![EMA](https://blog.chch.org/hubfs/ChapelHill_September2018%20Theme/Images/large_link1263766_97175.png)](https://enrollment.org/) ©2026 Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall. All Rights Reserved. Open Sitemap*Close Sitemap* - [Admissions](https://www.chch.org/admissions) - [About](https://www.chch.org/page/about) - [Academics](https://www.chch.org/page/academics) - [Student Life](https://www.chch.org/page/student-life) - [Boarding](https://www.chch.org/boarding) - [Support CH-CH](https://www.chch.org/page/support-ch-ch) - [Blog](https://blog.chch.org)