Cornell Notes

One system of note taking that is commonly taught to university students is the Cornell method of note taking, developed by Dr. Walter Pauk, a Cornell University professor. The Cornell system is not really a method of taking or recording notes; it is more a system for organizing your notes into an effective study guide.

“Remember, the questioner is the learner.” Cornell Note-taking Why should you take notes? To minimize your “rate of forgetting” Dr. Walter Pauk, Cornell University Don’t take notes = Forget 60% in 14 days Take some notes = Remember 60% Take organized notes and do something with them = Remember 90-100% indefinitely! “Remember, the questioner is the learner.” Dr. Walter Pauk – Director, Reading and Study Center – Cornell University

Counseling Services, Study Skills Program – University of Waterloo The Forgetting Curve Counseling Services, Study Skills Program – University of Waterloo

The Cornell system promotes active learning and critical thinking, providing a method to increase your comprehension of class material. There are five stages involved in the Cornell note taking method.

What Does the Research Show? Verbatim note-taking is, perhaps, the least effective way to take notes. Notes should be considered a work in progress. Notes should be used as study guides for tests. The more notes that are taken, the better. Marzano, et al. Classroom Instruction that Works. 2001.

Record Reduce Recite Reflect Review

…TO TAKE NOTES USING THE CORNELL SYSTEM RECORD During the lecture or reading, record in the main column as many meaningful facts and ideas Always write legibly REDUCE As soon after as possible, summarize these facts and ideas concisely in the Cue Column (left-hand column). Summarizing clarifies meanings and relationships, reinforces continuity, and strengthens memory. The Cornell system for taking notes is designed to save time but still be efficient.

…TO TAKE NOTES USING THE CORNELL SYSTEM RECITE Cover the Note Taking Area, using only your jottings in the Cue Column, say over the facts and ideas of the lecture as fully as you can, not mechanically, but in your own words. Then, verify what you have said. REFLECT Draw out opinions from your notes and use them as a starting point for your own reflections on the course and how it relates to your other courses. Reflection will help prevent ideas from being inert and soon forgotten. REVIEW Spend 10 minutes every week in quick review of your notes, and you will retain most of what you have learned.

…TO TAKE NOTES USING THE CORNELL SYSTEM First Step - PREPARATION 1. Use only one side of the paper. 2. Draw a vertical line 2 1/2 inches from the left side of your paper. This is the recall or cue column. 3. Notes will be taken to the right of this margin. 4. Later key words or phrases can be written in the recall column. 5. Write all main ideas/concepts on the right side of the page

Setting up your paper for Cornell Notes:

1. Record notes in paragraph form. Second Step of Cornell Notes- occurs DURING THE LECTURE OR WHILE READING 1. Record notes in paragraph form. 2. Capture general ideas, not illustrative ideas. 3. Skip lines to show end of ideas or thoughts. 4. Using abbreviations will save time. Write legibly. 5. Mark ideas that go together with an asterisk * 6. Make sure your notes are clear; that the information makes sense.

Third Step - AFTER THE LECTURE OR WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED READING 1. Read through your notes and make it more legible if necessary. 2. Now use the column. Pull out main ideas, topics, terms, places, dates, etc. 3. Jot down ideas or key words which give you the idea of the lecture or reading. (REDUCE) You will have to reread the information and reflect in your own words. 4. Cover up the right-hand portion of your notes and recite the general ideas and concepts. 5. To review, overlap your notes showing only recall columns. 6. Summarize - Write a summary at the bottom of your page. Mention all key points

Right Column Notes on this side Skip lines between ideas Incomplete sentences Abbreviations

Left Column Main ideas Key Points Dates People

Bottom Section Summary 3 or 4 lines Being brief is not an immediate focus but to be improved with practice

After Class Review notes as soon as possible Review frequently Compare notes with a partner Use your notes as test reviews