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The Cornell System For Taking Notes

The Cornell note taking system consists of 3 steps: (1) dividing paper into two columns, with a recall column on the left and notes on the right, (2) taking notes in paragraph form in the right column during lectures, and (3) reviewing notes within 24 hours by writing keywords in the left column and covering the notes to recite the main ideas from memory. The system is designed to save time and maximize effectiveness by avoiding rewriting notes after the initial taking.

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80 views

The Cornell System For Taking Notes

The Cornell note taking system consists of 3 steps: (1) dividing paper into two columns, with a recall column on the left and notes on the right, (2) taking notes in paragraph form in the right column during lectures, and (3) reviewing notes within 24 hours by writing keywords in the left column and covering the notes to recite the main ideas from memory. The system is designed to save time and maximize effectiveness by avoiding rewriting notes after the initial taking.

Uploaded by

EMILL ASUNCION
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Cornell System for Taking Notes

The Cornell system for taking notes is designed to (1) save time while (2) enabling students to
maximize the effectiveness of their notetaking. In this system there is no rewriting, revising or
retyping of your notes once they've been made. The Cornell note taking system is sometimes referred
to as the "Do it Right In The First Place" system. It was devised by Professor Walter Pauk of Cornell
University during the 1950s. The Cornell system for taking notes consists of the following steps:

Step 1 - Divide your paper into two columns


Use a large loose-leaf notebook for your notetaking. Only use one side of each leaf of paper in the
notebook (this will enable you to lay your notes out to see the direction of a lecture.) Draw a vertical
line 2 1/2 inches from the left side of you paper. This is the recall column of your notes. All your
lecture notes will be taken to the right of this margin. Later, keywords or phrases can be written in the
recall (left) column.

Step 2 - Take notes in the note-taking column


Record notes in paragraph form in the note-taking column to the right. Capture general ideas and
concepts, not illustrative ideas. Skip lines to show end of ideas or thoughts. Try to avoid long
sentences. Using abbreviations will save time. Write as legibly as possible. Note down relevant
questions and keywords in the recall (left) column to assist with future reviews of your notes.

Step 3 - Review your notes within 24 hours


After each lecture read through your notes and make them more legible if necessary. Now use the 2
1/2 inches column to the left of your notes. Jot down ideas or keywords which give you the idea of the
lecture. (REDUCE) You will have to reread the lecturer's ideas, reflect and put them in your own words
if you can. Cover up the right-hand portion of your notes and recite the general ideas and concepts of
the lecture from memory. Overlap your notes showing only recall columns and use this for your
review.

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