# Charting note-taking method

**Source**: https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/charting/
**Parent**: https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/learning-at-university/

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# Charting note-taking method

- [Analysing questions](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/analysing-questions/)
- [Critical thinking](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/critical-thinking/)
  - [Academic arguments](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/academic-arguments/)
- [Habits of mind](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/habits-of-mind/)
  - [Active learning](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/active-learning/)
  - [Reflection and introspection](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/reflection-and-introspection/)
- [Time management](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/)
  - [SMART goals](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/smart-goals/)
  - [Pomodoro technique](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/pomodoro/)
  - [Scheduling your semester](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/scheduling-your-semester/)
  - [Staying motivated](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/staying-motivated/)
  - [Dealing with procrastination](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/dealing-with-procrastination/)
  - [Prioritising your tasks](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/time-management/prioritising-your-tasks/)
- [Note-taking](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/)
  - [Digital note-taking](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/digital/)
  - [Cornell note-taking method](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/cornell/)
  - [Charting note-taking method](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/charting/)
  - [Mind mapping](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/key-study-skills/note-taking/mind-mapping/)

Learn how to take notes effectively using the charting method.

## What is charting?

When you use the charting note-taking method, you use a table or a spreadsheet structure to organise information into different categories or topics.

## How does it work?

1. Divide your page into separate columns.
2. Give each column a heading or a label. Think about how you want to organise your notes to identify the most useful headings.
3. Enter notes under the relevant column.

## When would you use it?

- To help you [prepare](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/test-and-exams/preparing/) for exams, tests or tutorials.
- To make notes when you are  [reading](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/reading-effectively/in-depth/actively/) for your assignments.
- To organise information so you can easily see relationships or make comparisons between different ideas or concepts.

Here is an example:

Download a [PDF](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/files/2019/11/Charting-note-taking-method.pdf) version of the Charting method.

### Related topics

- [Preparing for exams and tests](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/exams-and-tests/preparing-for-exams-and-tests/)
- [Quick reading](https://learningessentials.auckland.ac.nz/reading-effectively/quick-reading/)

### Workshops

- [Academic Skills: Note-taking](https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/events?categories=19621)

See all [available workshops](https://auckland.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/tetumuherenga).

**Short on time? Watch a video on:**

- [Critical thinking](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/critical-thinking) – 6:01
- [Time management](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/time-management) – 5:15
- [Note-taking](https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/99789/pages/note-taking) – 5:39

Have any questions?

[Ask us](https://www.forms.auckland.ac.nz/en/public/library/ask-us.html)