The Cornell Method of note-taking
Note-taking is one of those skills that some teachers assume students know. But many students have never been taught this skill essential for school success.
The Cornell Method of note-taking consists of sectioning off a piece of notebook paper (or a computer screen) to be used for various purposes. A visual example and explanation are below.
The Cornell Method has advantages as a note-taking pattern:
- Because the notes are paraphrased versions of the original, the note-taker needs to understand the original lecture or text as he or she takes notes; the note-taker is not merely a transcriber but an analyzer.
- If the note-taker rereads the notes a few minutes after taking them, his or her chances to memorize the information increase since it is stated two or three times in the notes.
- White space leaves room to fill in or clarify original notes.
- If tests come weeks after the note-taking, the note-taker has sufficient notes to study from.
- The unvarying structure of the method appeals to organized people.
The Cornell Method also has disadvantages:
- Creating the blocks and using them properly is an advanced skill inappropriate for young students and even for some high school students.
- Sticking to the format is challenging for students in a hurry, for perfectionists, and for creative types who want less imposed structure in their learning.
- Many students will not reread their notes immediately after writing them, a key factor in the success of this method.
English Writing Teacher 