THE CORNELL NOTETAKING SYSTEM

 

What are the advantages?               Three Advantages

1.     It is a method for mastering information—not just recording facts.

2.     It is efficient.

3.     Each step prepares the way for the next part of the learning process.

 

What materials are needed?            Materials:

1.     Loose-leaf paper to be kept in a binder.

2.     Two and one half inch column at left-hand edge of each page to be used for recall cues.

 

How should notes be recorded?      During class, record notes:

1.     Record notes in paragraphs, skipping lines to separate information logically.

2.     Don’t force an outlining system, but do use any obvious numbering.

3.     Strive to get main ideas down. Facts, details, and examples are important, but they’re meaningful only with concepts.

4.     Use abbreviations for extra writing and listening time.

5.     Use graphic organizers or pictures when they are helpful.

 

How should notes be refined?        After class, refine notes:

1.     Write questions in the left about the information on the right.

2.     Check or correct incomplete items

·       loose dates, terms, names

·       notes that are too brief for recall months later

 

What are the ways to recite            Recite notes three ways:

notes?                                        1.  Cover up right side page. Read the questions. Recite information as fully as possible. Uncover the sheet and verify information frequently (single, most powerful learning tool!

                                                2.  REFLECTION IS KEY TO MEMORY!!  Reflect on the organization of all lectures. Overlap notes and read recall cues. Study the progression of the information. This will stimulate categories, relationships, inferences, personal opinions/ experiences. Record all these insights!

3.     Review by reciting, reflecting, and reading insights.

 

What are the five steps of this        This system in brief:

system?                                     1.  Record lectures in the main column.

2.  Refine lectures with questions, corrections, underlining, recall cues, graphics and pictures.

3.  Recite by covering main column and expanding on recall cues—then verify

4.     Reflect on organization by studying all cues.

5.     Review by repeating recite and reflect steps