Making sense of your Notes 

For middle school learners, this skill can be the game-changer between cramming the night before and walking into an exam feeling prepared.

Let’s break down the why, the how, and the what of effective note-taking—and how parents and educators can help students develop this often-overlooked academic superpower.

Why Note-Taking Matters

According to Erin Stapleton-Corcoran (2019), note-taking is about more than just recording information—it's about processing it. When students actively engage with what they're hearing, they begin to filter, structure, and internalise key ideas. Stapleton-Corcoran's research shows that middle school learners who practise intentional note-taking improve their recall, critical thinking, and even writing fluency.

And it's not just about what's on the page. The Teaching + Learning Lab at MIT takes this a step further: they advocate for "sense-making over note-taking." That means encouraging students to focus less on capturing every word and more on understanding the concepts behind them. When learners reframe note-taking as an active conversation with the material, they become better problem-solvers and more independent thinkers.

Different Note-Taking Methods for Different Minds

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all note-taking method. Some learners thrive on structure, while others benefit from flexibility and visuals. Here are two tried-and-tested techniques:

1. The Cornell Method

• This method divides the page into three sections: cues, notes, and summary.
• During the lesson, students jot down notes in the main section.
• After class, they add keywords or questions in the cue column and summarise the main ideas at the bottom.
• Why it works: It reinforces learning after class and promotes critical thinking.

1. The Outline Method

• This is a hierarchical way of capturing information using bullet points and indentations.
• Main ideas go on the left, supporting details are indented underneath.
• Why it works: It helps students visually organise information and see connections between ideas.

Other students may benefit from visual mapping (like mind maps), colour coding, or digital tools that allow for audio + visual pairing. The key is to find what works and stick with it long enough to build fluency.

How Parents and Teachers Can Support Better Note-Taking

• Model it: Whether it’s planning the grocery list or outlining ideas for a class project, show learners how you take notes in real life.
• Practise it: Incorporate note-taking practice into study sessions. Ask: "What was the main idea here? What’s worth remembering?"
• Reflect on it: Encourage students to revisit their notes, identify patterns, and summarise what they’ve learned in their own words.

From Passive to Powerful

Note-taking isn’t about copying information. It’s about owning it. When learners are taught how to listen actively, process ideas, and organise them meaningfully, they develop skills that stretch far beyond the classroom.

At StudyChamp, we believe that confident learners aren’t born—they’re built, one smart habit at a time. And note-taking? That’s one of the smartest there is.

References:

• Stapleton-Corcoran, E. (2019). Developing Study Skills in Middle School Students. Journal of Educational Psychology.
• Teaching + Learning Lab at MIT. (2020). Sense-Making Over Note-Taking. MIT OpenCourseWare.
• Shore, J. (2025). Encouraging Students to Use Notes for Sense-Making. Edutopia