Student Name

Class

Date

Cornell                        Also known as “two-column note taking”

Method                      

The Cornell Method provides a systematic format for condensing and organizing notes without laborious recopying. After writing the notes in the main space (wider, right column), use the left-hand space (narrower, left column) to label each idea and detail with a key word or "cue."

Method                        Rule your paper with a 2 ½ inch margin on the left leaving a six-inch area on the right in which to make notes. During class, take down information in the six-inch area. Only take notes on one side (right) of your paper.  When the instructor moves to a new point, skip a few lines. After class, complete phrases and sentences as much as possible. For every significant bit of information, write a cue in the left margin.

Studying from               To review, cover your notes with a card, leaving the cues exposed.

two-column notes         Say the cue out loud, then try to recall as much as you can of the material underneath the card. When you have said as much as you can, move the card and see if what you said matches what is written. When you can recall it all, you know it all, but don’t forget to review on a regular basis.  Another method of studying from your two-column notes is to fold the page along the margin between the left and right columns, so that the cues in the left column is cannot be seen.  Then read the notes (right column) and try to recall the cue (left column).  Check the cue to check your answer.  After you get proficient at this, flip your notes so that only the cue is showing.  After reading the cue, turn back to the information in the right column to check your progress.   When you can recall it all, you know it all, but don’t forget to review on a regular basis. 

Advantages                  Organized and systematic for recording and reviewing notes. Easy format for pulling out major concept and ideas. Simple and efficient. Saves time and effort. "Do-it-right-in-the-first-place" system.

Disadvantages              None.

When to use                    Any lecture taking situation.

                                        Taking notes from reading.

                                        Especially for new vocabulary, terms, names, dates, etc!!!