The Cornell Method of Notetaking
What is the Cornell Method
The Cornell Method is a simple yet powerful notetaking technique to help you organize and remember information.
It is a systematic approach to notetaking which will help you learn, study and create a set of structured notes.
A simple, elegant structure that can be easily applied to many different learning situations.
Using the Cornell Method involves dividing your page into sections: one for main ideas, another for details, and a summary.
The Cornell format
This format is based on the idea that people remember information that is organized in a easy-to-follow format.
To use the Cornell Method of notetaking you need to format your page into the Cornell style or you can buy A4 templates or US Letter templates from our store to use.
There are four key sections of the Cornell template:
Header section is a horizontal section across the top of the page to use for reference information.
Summary section is a horizontal section at the bottom of the page for important ideas.
Main notetaking section is a column taking up 70% of your paper. This section is where you will write the main ideas, key concepts and essential information relating to the topic.
Cue section is a column parallel to the main notes section taking up 30% of your paper. The cue section is for keywords, questions and prompts relating to the main notetaking section. These will be used as memory triggers for testing, revision and review.
How to make notes using the Cornell Method
Taking notes using the Cornell Method can be summarised as taking notes in class, summarising your notes and reviewing notes.
Step 1: Complete the Header
Header Section: Always complete the header with lecture details during class. The header section is for identifying information about that lecture such as time, place, lecturer, reference information.
Step 2: Take Notes in Class
Main Section (70%): Use the main notetaking section to capture all class notes, emphasizing important messages, concepts, and keywords.
Style Tips: Use short sentences, paraphrasing, and abbreviations for efficiency.
Step 3: Add Keywords and Cue
Cue Section (30%): After class Use the cue section which takes up 30% of your paper and to write keywords or phrases to summarise the main points you recorded during the lecture.
Style Tips: Use keywords, prompts, questions which will activate your memory.
Best Practice: Reflect on notes post-lecture, choosing keyword headers for immediate revision. This process of immediate revision will help you start to process the new information you’ve just acquired and solidify the ideas and information in your mind.
Step 4: Summarise
Summary Section: At the bottom of the page, record the most important ideas, topics, or concepts related to the topic.
Reflection: When you think back over the lecture try to Identify the most interesting information for personalized summary notes.
Optional: Review and Improve
Regular Review: Reinforce understanding by revisiting notes.
Active Reflection: Quiz yourself using cue sections for quick recall.
Ongoing Refinement: Adjust summaries based on continuous reflection to create a powerful study aid for future revisions and assignments.
When to use the Cornell Method
The Cornell Method can be used in lectures, independent study or groupwork sessions to break down the information into smaller, easy-to-understand sections.
You can use the Cornell method for :
Handwritten or typed notes
Lectures and classes
Independent research
Seminars and workshops
Group study sessions
Benefits of using the Cornell Method
There are a lot of benefits to using the Cornell Method for students.
Focused learning - It simplifies the learning process by allowing students to concentrate on specific concepts and skills, eliminating the need to grasp everything at once.
Easy notetaking method - It’s a simple method to start using. Draw lines, label sections, and dive into organized notetaking.
Creates clear, structured notes - the simple labelled sections direct the focus encouraging users to complete all sections. It’s a clear structure to follow and an organised method to record information.
Easy to skim notes - The columns help you quickly identify information instead of skimming notes of notes to find what you need.
Drawbacks of the Cornell Method
The Cornell Method recommends making notes in your own words. But paraphrasing in real-time can be difficult to apply especially if you are new to university study and the subject area.
It's a highly structured system that has a lot of benefits, but you must work within the framework of the four sections.
The cues and summary section are best completed soon after the lecture.
You may lose some of the recall benefits of using this method if you aren’t able to review your notes and complete the cue and summary sections while the lecture information is fresh in your mind.
Improve your Cornell notetaking
Write notes in your own words
Keep your notes short and concise
Use shorter sentences when you can to record the main ideas and topics
Use symbols and abbreviations to take faster notes
Paraphrase and summarise concepts and avoid trying to write full sentences
Use underlining, bold, capital letters for emphasis
Complete the header section at the start of the notetaking session, include as much relevant descriptive information in the Header as possible so you know what the notes relate to
Complete the Cues and Summary section as soon as practicable after the notetaking session
Summary
The Cornell Method of Notetaking is a powerful, yet simple technique designed to enhance learning, studying, and structured note creation.
The method involves dividing the page into sections: one for main ideas, another for details, and a summary, promoting effective organization and retention. This post outlines a four-step process, emphasizing taking notes in class, summarizing, and reviewing notes for optimal understanding.
The Cornell format includes a header section, a summary section, a main notetaking section, and a cue section. We’ve provided some practical tips, such as using short sentences, abbreviations, and symbols for efficient notetaking.
The method's benefits include focused learning, easy notetaking, clear and structured notes, and enhanced skimming ability.
However, there are some drawbacks, such as the challenge of paraphrasing in real-time and the necessity of working within the method's structured framework.
It is recommended that when using the Cornell Method of notetaking you complete the cue and summary sections soon after lectures to maximize recall benefits.
Overall, the Cornell Method proves beneficial for lectures, independent study, and group sessions, offering a clear structure for effective learning and retention.
The Cornell Method is a great option for remembering information 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.
Cornell Method Notebooks
We have 6x9 notebooks in the Cornell Method style for you to use for your notetaking.
Click on the notebook image to buy on Amazon.
Cornell Method Templates
We have A4 and US Letter Cornell 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.
