Cornell Note Taking System

This system was devised by a Professor Walter Pauk from Cornell University. Not only is Cornell note taking an efficient method of capturing your instructor’s lecture material, but it also sets you on the path for exam preparation. The system encourages students to, and dare I say it again, make information meaningful to them (BY PUTTING IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS).
 
Your notes will be organized, meaningful, and easy study. A template is available in the Handouts section for you use.
 
1. Start with a piece of paper

2. Draw a horizontal line about 5 cm (that’s 2 inches for our imperial friends) from the bottom edge of the paper

3. Draw a vertical line about 6 cm (2.5 inches) from the left edge of the paper

4. When taking notes in class, use Space A to record this information

5. When class is over, use Space B to summarize the main points of Space A

6. Then, use Space C to write questions or keywords whose answers are recorded in Space A

7. You can quiz yourself by looking at the questions listed in Space C while covering the answers in Space A. And by summarizing in Space B, you are putting the material into your own words

Sources:
Cuseo, Joseph B, Aaron Thompson, Michele Campagna, Viki Sox Fecas. Thriving in College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2016