When it comes to effective note-taking methods, the Cornell note-taking method is among the most popular and widely recommended, especially for students. If you’ve been asking yourself, what Cornell notes are or how to do Cornell notes, then this is the guide for you. We’ll delve deep into how this method works and how you can make the most of our specially designed Cornell notes template. Ready to take your study game to the next level? Let’s dive in.
Cornell notes are a systematic format for condensing and organizing class notes. Developed during the 1940s by Walter Pauk, an education professor at Cornell University, the Cornell method of note-taking is more than just about jotting down facts. It encourages active learning and effective study habits.
At first glance, a Cornell note might look like any other piece of paper, but it has a unique structure:
Cues Column: On the left side (about 2.5 inches wide), you jot down the main ideas or cues. These can be questions, keywords, or concepts that summarize the information from the right column.
Notes Section: The largest section on the right is where you write your class notes. It’s for detailed information, explanations, and facts.
Summary Area: At the bottom of the page (about 2 inches high) is a space for summarizing the entire page in a sentence or two.
● Use the Notes Section to jot down information. Don’t stress about formatting at this stage.
● Leave spaces between points for potential additions.
● In the Cues Column, write down the main ideas, questions, or keywords.
● Summarize each page in the Summary Area. This helps reinforce the information.
● Cover the Notes Section and use the Cues Column to test your memory.