Cornell Method

Cornell Note-taking Method

The Cornell Method has a very good proven track record. The method consists of the 5 R's:

• Record
• Reduce
• Recite
• Reflect
• Review

One way to remember these 5 might be to imagine them written on the digits of the right (or left) hand:

• Thumb — Record
• Pointing finger — Reduce
• Middle finger — Recite
• Ring finger — Reflect
• Little finger — Review

Or, get an old plastic glove used for washing-up or gardening and write the R's on the glove. This should be fun. Imagine wearing and showing the glove to friends. They will say: "What's this? Why 5 R's? I thought there were only 3 R's: Reading, Riting, Rithmetic!"

Here is a simple picture of a notebook page that shows the notes on one column of a page, and keywords on the other column. It allows quick retrieval of different subjects, and a fast and easy way to review the notes.

To setup a page using the Cornell Method, follow these steps:

• Write your name, the subject, the date, and the page number on the top.
• Draw a line (or leave space) from top to bottom about 2" from the left side.
• Draw a line (or leave space) for a summary of the page's content.

When listening to a lecture, record the main ideas on the right side of the paper as a list or in paragraph form. Use abbreviations when possible. On the left side, write down a keyword that describes this section of notes. When you finish the page, summarize in a few sentences the main ideas of the whole page. When you finish class, review and clarify any keywords.