The Split Page Method of Notetaking
Discussed in this blog post :
What is the Split Page Method
The Split Page format
How to use the Split Page Method
When to use the Split Page Method
Benefits of using the Split Page Method
Drawbacks of using the Split Page Method
Improve your Split Page Method notetaking
Summary
Split Page Method Notebooks
What is the Split Page Method
The Split Page method is useful for subjects that are broad and packed with detailed information.
Using this method can make large volumes of information less overwhelming to digest, using this method you’ll be able to organize this information into key concepts, making it easier for you to recall the information.
The Split Page method can be adapted to various subjects, learning styles and combined with other notetaking methods.
The Split Page Method divides the note taking area into two sections. The larger section is used for recording information during a lecture or while studying, and the smaller section is reserved for annotations, summaries, or reflections.
Using this format, you can create a comprehensive set of notes that promote effective learning and help you remember more information.
The Split Page format
To use the Split Page Method of notetaking you need to divide your page into two sections with a vertical line.
You can format your page into the Split Page format or buy A4 templates or US Letter templates from our store to use.
There are two sections of the Split Page format:
Main Notetaking section is the bigger section of the page and will be used for notes, ideas, key concepts and information
Keyword section is the smaller section of the page and will be used for keywords, cues, questions related to the notes in the main section
How to use the Split Page Method
Steps to use the split page method of notetaking:
Step 1 – Divide the Page
Split your page into two sections by drawing a vertical line down the page.
The left-hand column should take up approximately 20% of the width of the page and the right-hand column the remaining 80%.
Step 2 – Make your Notes
Use the larger section to capture the key concepts, important details and any other relevant information.
Write the sub-topics and information associated with each major topic in this right-hand section.
Make your notes concise, in your own words and leave space between different sub-topics so they can be easily recognised as distinct sections.
Step 3 – Add Keywords and Cues
The smaller section to the left of the line is for cues and keywords relating to the main notetaking section.
The use of keywords and cues boosts your ability to recall the information later on because they assist you in organizing large quantities of information.
At the end of the lecture or study session write cues, questions, and other keywords in the left-hand section of the page.
Align the keywords and cues with the sub-topics, concepts and ideas you’ve captured.
When to use the Split Page Method
The Split Page method is a helpful way to take notes, especially when dealing with lots of information. It breaks down big subjects, making them easier to understand and remember.
This method is great for various learning situations:
Lectures and Classrooms: Use it during classes to capture important points and keep your notes organized. The left column with cues helps you review and study later.
Textbook Reading: When reading textbooks, the Split Page Method condenses and organizes the information. The main column is for key details, and the left column helps summarize main ideas.
Seminars and Workshops: In seminars, it records insights and discussions while providing cues for later use. It encourages active engagement and thoughtful note-taking.
Independent Study: Whether researching or learning on your own, the Split Page Method helps organize notes, making it easier to review and remember information.
Exam Prep: Excellent for reviewing notes and preparing for exams. The structured layout, cues, and summaries help test your memory and comprehension efficiently.
The Split Page Method is a valuable tool for learners of all kinds, promoting active engagement, comprehension, and efficient review.
Benefits of using the Split Page Method
Easy Organization: Splits your notes into sections, making it simple to find and categorize information.
Pick What's Important: Forces you to choose and focus on essential information, helping you understand better instead of just writing everything down.
Stay Engaged: Keeps you actively involved during lectures or reading by making you think and summarize in your own words.
Summarize Effectively: The cues column on the left encourages short summaries, reinforcing understanding and getting to the core of the info.
Quick Review: The cues serve as prompts for review, helping test your memory without diving into detailed notes.
Your Style, Your Way: Customize the method to fit your style by adjusting detail levels, cues, and formatting in the left column.
Useful Everywhere: Can be used for many different and learning situations.
Using the Split Page Method in your note-taking routine leads to effective learning, easier reviews, and a deeper understanding of your subjects.
Drawbacks of using the Split Page Method
Limited Space: Separate columns may not provide enough room for detailed notes, especially in information-heavy classes.
Complex Subjects: Condensing intricate concepts into brief notes might oversimplify, leading to missing crucial details.
Too Much at Once: Trying to jot cues and main points simultaneously might make it hard to focus on understanding the content.
Time-Consuming: Writing in two columns during live lectures could slow you down, causing you to miss important points.
Digital Challenges: Applying this method to digital platforms can be tricky due to layout constraints.
Understanding these drawbacks helps you decide if the Split Page Method suits your learning style and content type.
Improve your Split Page Method notetaking
The Split Page Method can be a powerful tool for effective notetaking, but maximizing its benefits requires a thoughtful approach.
Here are some top tips to make the most out of this method:
Prepare in Advance: Set up several pages in the Split Page method format so that you’re ready to take notes as soon as the lecture/class begins.
Review: Periodically review your notes to reinforce your memory. Focus on the cues column for quick recall and then delve into the detailed notes for a deeper understanding.
Use Abbreviations: Develop a set of abbreviations for common words to speed up your notetaking. This makes it easier to capture information more quickly.
Highlight Key Information: After you take notes, use different colors or symbols to highlight essential points. This makes it easy to spot crucial information during review sessions.
Write notes in your own words: Using your own words reduces the risk of plagiarism and improves your understanding.
Focus on Main Topics: Don’t note everything, just the most important information.
Leave Space between Sections: While the cues column is for summarizing, leave space in the notes section to expand on ideas later. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the material.
Adapt for Digital Platforms: If using digital devices, explore apps or tools that allow you to replicate the Split Page Method's layout. This adaptation helps you enjoy the method's benefits in a digital format.
Experiment with Visuals: Although the Split Page Method is primarily text-based, consider incorporating simple diagrams or charts in the notes section for a visual aid when reviewing.
Personalize Your System: Tailor the method to suit your preferences. Adjust column sizes, experiment with fonts, or include additional sections if needed. A personalized approach makes the method more effective for your unique style.
By incorporating these tips into your notetaking routine, the Split Page Method can become a versatile and efficient tool for capturing, organizing, and reviewing information.
Summary
In summary, the Split Page Method is a straightforward yet impactful notetaking method with dedicated columns for cues and notes.
Using the Split Page Method, notetakers can navigate diverse subjects like lectures, textbooks, seminars, and online courses.
Whether in a traditional classroom, exploring digital content, or embarking on self-directed study, this method empowers you to distil complex information into manageable, memorable insights, fostering a deeper connection with the information.
Its adaptability to various learning scenarios, including brainstorming sessions and critical thinking exercises, underscores its versatility providing a valuable tool for learners seeking a structured, organized, and engaging notetaking approach.
As you navigate your notetaking journey, remember that it's a personal process, and the Split Page Method can be tailored to suit your preferences and needs.
The Split Page Method is a great option for adding your own research notes to lecture notes but it might not be right for you in all situations. To find out about other notetaking methods check out 12 Notetaking Methods Essential for Students for some of the most effective options for students.
Split Page Method Notebooks
We have 6x9 notebooks in the Split Page Method style for you to use for your notetaking.
Click on the notebook image to buy on Amazon.
Split Page Method Templates
We have A4 and US Letter Charting Method templates for you to use for your notetaking and are available in our store to purchase. Use the Add To Cart buttons below to find out more.
