If you’ve ever found yourself staring at messy, endless notes and struggling to make sense of them before an exam, you’re not alone. Taking effective notes is a challenge many college students face. That’s where The Charting Method comes in, a simple but powerful way to organize information in a structured format that makes review sessions less stressful and much more productive.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what The Charting Method is, when to use it, step-by-step instructions for setting it up, and the major benefits it offers students. By the end, you’ll know exactly how and when to use this method to improve your study habits and academic performance.
As an affiliate partner of various brands and sponsored content, SimpleStudentPlans may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Disclaimer | Advertise With Us
What Is The Charting Method of Note-Taking?
The Charting Method is a structured way of taking notes by organizing information into a table or chart. Instead of writing in paragraph form or long bullet points, you divide the page into columns and rows based on categories or themes.
Think of it like building your own custom spreadsheet of knowledge, it helps you see connections quickly and compare key details side by side.
Here’s a quick example:
| Date/Topic | Key Points | Examples | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Revolution | Rise of factories | Steam engines | More efficient than manual labor |
| World War I | Alliances and causes | Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand | Different from WWII causes |
This format forces you to be concise, organized, and intentional about how you record information.
When Should You Use The Charting Method?
Not every class is best suited for chart-based notes. The Charting Method works especially well for subjects that involve:
- Comparisons and contrasts – History events, theories, or different case studies.
- Cause and effect relationships – Political science, sociology, or economics.
- Multiple categories of information – Science experiments, business case analyses, or medical studies.
- Timelines or sequences – Chronology of historical events or stages of a process.
For example, if you’re in a history class covering different revolutions, this method helps you line up each revolution’s causes, key figures, and outcomes in a neat chart. By exam time, instead of digging through long paragraphs of notes, you can quickly review everything side by side.
Pro tip: For reading-heavy courses, combine The Charting Method with color-coded highlighters (Amazon Highlighter Pack) to visually separate categories even further.
How to Use The Charting Method
Here’s exactly how to set up and use The Charting Method in your own study sessions.
Step 1: Choose Your Medium
You can use either paper or digital tools for charting.
- On paper: Use a large notebook or graph paper (College Ruled Notebook) to draw columns.
- Digital: Apps like Notion, Microsoft OneNote, or Google Sheets make this method super easy, especially if you want to rearrange or expand charts later.
Step 2: Define Your Categories
Before class (or while reviewing your reading), decide what columns you’ll need. Common categories include:
- Dates
- Events
- Key figures
- Definitions
- Examples
- Comparisons
- Outcomes
Example for a biology class:
| Process | Steps | Enzymes Involved | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | Light-dependent reactions | ATP synthase | Glucose produced |
Step 3: Fill in Information During or After Class
While in lecture, jot down info directly into the chart. If your professor speaks too fast, write rough notes and later transfer them neatly into your chart. This “review and transfer” process doubles as a study session.
Step 4: Use Abbreviations and Keywords
Keep it short and sweet. The goal isn’t to write full sentences but to capture essential details. For example, instead of writing:
“The Industrial Revolution in Britain began due to access to coal and iron resources.”
You’d note:
“Britain → coal + iron = start of Ind. Rev.”
Step 5: Review and Expand
After class, add missing details from textbooks, slides, or online research. Over time, your chart becomes a complete, structured study guide.
Helpful tool: Digital flashcards (Quizlet Plus Subscription) can be created directly from charted info for faster memorization.
Benefits of The Charting Method
Why should you use The Charting Method over other note-taking styles? Let’s break it down.
1. Better Organization
Everything is neatly divided, so you don’t waste time flipping through messy notes.
2. Easier Comparisons
When topics are side by side, you can instantly see differences and similarities making it perfect for argumentative essays.
3. Saves Time During Review
Charts cut down review time since you can scan and find info faster.
4. Improves Active Learning
By forcing you to categorize info, you’re actually processing and understanding it rather than passively copying it down.
5. Great for Visual Learners
Charts give a structured “big picture” view, which helps if you learn best by seeing patterns and layouts.
Examples of The Charting Method in Action
Let’s see how this works in different subjects.
History Class Example
| Event | Cause | Key Figures | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Revolution | Economic crisis, inequality | Robespierre, Louis XVI | Fall of monarchy |
| American Revolution | Taxation w/o representation | George Washington, Jefferson | Independence declared |
Psychology Class Example
| Theory | Founder | Key Concepts | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behaviorism | Skinner | Rewards, punishment | Education systems |
| Psychoanalysis | Freud | Unconscious mind, dreams | Therapy methods |
Nursing/Medical Example
| Disease | Cause | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes Type 1 | Autoimmune | Fatigue, thirst | Insulin therapy |
| Hypertension | Genetic/lifestyle | Headache, dizziness | Lifestyle change + meds |
Tools That Make The Charting Method Easier
To really maximize The Charting Method, you’ll want tools that make charting fast and clear:
- Good notebooks: Five Star Spiral Notebook – wide, durable pages great for drawing charts.
- Digital options: Google Sheets (free), Notion (free for students), or Microsoft OneNote.
- Stationery essentials: Rulers, colored pens, and sticky notes (Stationery Bundle) to keep categories clear.
- Tablet + stylus: iPad with Apple Pencil or budget alternatives like XP-Pen tablets for digital charting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with The Charting Method
- Making charts too complex – Stick to 4–6 columns max, or it becomes overwhelming.
- Copying word-for-word – Summarize! Long sentences defeat the purpose.
- Not reviewing charts later – The real benefit comes when you revisit and expand them.
- Forgetting flexibility – Adjust categories based on each subject; don’t force one format for everything.
Key Takeaways
- The Charting Method is a structured, table-based note-taking system that helps you compare, contrast, and organize information.
- Best used for comparison-heavy subjects like history, psychology, medicine, or business.
- Simple steps: Choose medium → Define categories → Fill info → Use keywords → Review and expand.
- Benefits include better organization, faster reviews, improved active learning, and visual clarity.
- Combine with digital tools or stationery to maximize efficiency.
FAQs About The Charting Method
1. Is The Charting Method better than the Cornell Method?
It depends! The Cornell Method is great for lecture-heavy courses where you need detailed summaries, while The Charting Method shines in courses with a lot of comparisons and multiple categories.
2. Can I use The Charting Method for math?
It’s not the best for solving equations but works for organizing formulas, definitions, and example problems side by side.
3. Do I have to use a table every time?
Not always! Some students make “pseudo-charts” by dividing notebook pages into columns without drawing full tables. It’s about structure, not perfection.
4. What if my professor moves too fast?
Take rough notes first. Later, transfer them into your chart format. This doubles as review time and keeps your notes clear.
Final Thoughts
The Charting Method might not work for every subject, but when it fits, it can transform how you take notes and study. It’s especially powerful for students in content-heavy majors like history, nursing, business, and psychology.
If you’ve been struggling with long, confusing notes, give this method a try. Pair it with some simple study tools, and you’ll find yourself more organized, less stressed, and way more prepared when exams roll around.