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Note Taking Methods: Cornell Notes

Writer's picture: Alex ZhouAlex Zhou

Updated: Nov 20, 2021



Whether you're in high school or university, you've probably seen this 3-grid note-taking format before. But...what is Cornell Note-taking? And why is it regarded as one of the most popular and effective ways of studying?


Devised in the 1950s by an education professor at Cornell University, this note-taking method is known as one of, if not the best, way to prepare for exams. The system takes you through the whole process of learning, studying and revising without the need for flashcards or other study methods. So, how do I use it?


Although there is a general list of what goes under each of the"notes," "cues," and "summary" sections, each person usually adapts to something that works best for them. Here is a starting template to help you!



The 5 R's to Cornell Notes

Record | Reduce | Recite | Reflect | Review

  • follow the 5 step process to use this note-taking system to its full potential!


Steps to Cornell Notes:

  1. Write in the "notes" section during class

  2. (if possible) Immediately after class, fill out the "cues" section - remember to do this as soon as possible to consolidate the main ideas from the lesson

  3. Fill in the "summary" section. Think of this as a book review - use only 3-4 sentences to cover everything on the page.

*remember to have a look through the content each week to retain most of what you have learnt.

When Revising:

  • Focus on the "cues" and "summary" sections


Benefits of Cornell Notes

  • More organised notes

  • Key words and key concepts can be identified quickly

  • Can be easily used as a study guide for exam preparation

  • Great for mastering the information and ensures that you're not just writing down all the facts

  • Each step prepares you for the next part of the process

  • Improves concentration and keeps you engaged with the content

  • Efficient and saves time


Tips

  • Draw up a list of abbreviations and expressions before note-taking

  • Leave spaces between each note. Use this to fill in any information you might have missed later on

  • Don't write down every single word, instead, focus on the key points


Like all study methods, it is important to find a way that suits you and the way you learn.

Want some extra help? Check out Minerva's tutoring services for NCEA, IB and NZQA Scholarship Students here.

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