Overview of method
The Cornell method provides a systematic format
for condensing and organizing notes. The
student divides the paper into two columns: the
note-taking column (usually on the right) is twice
the size of the questions/key word column (on
the left). The student should leave five to seven
lines, or about two in (5 cm), at the bottom of
the page.
Notes from a lecture or teaching are written in
the note-taking column; notes usually consist of
the main ideas of the text or lecture, and long
ideas are paraphrased. Long sentences are
avoided; symbols or abbreviations are used
instead. To assist with future reviews, relevant
questions (which should be recorded as soon as
possible so that the lecture and questions will be
fresh in the student's mind) or key words are
written in the key word column. These notes can
be taken from any source of information, such as
fiction and nonfiction books, DVDs, lectures, text
books, etc.
Within 24 hours of taking the notes, the student
must revise and write questions and then write a
brief summary in the bottom five to seven lines
of the page. This helps to increase
understanding of the topic. When studying for
either a test or quiz, the student has a concise
but detailed and relevant record of previous
classes.
When reviewing the material, the student can
cover the note-taking (right) column while
attempting to answer the questions/keywords in
the key word or cue (left) column. The student
is encouraged to reflect on the material and
review the notes regularly.
A video about How To Take Cornell Notes
Cornell Note Taking Template
