THE CORNELL NOTE TAKING SYSTEM (Required

format for in-class and when assigned notes for

homework)

Overview info

• Please note this style will be useful for class lectures in addition to your summer reading.

• Some instructions make specific references to class. Don’t get confused by this as the format for your summer reading notes is exactly the same.

• The next slide illustrates how each page of notes in your notebook should look.

Step #1: PrepareRecall Column

--2 Inches--

Reduce ideas after class into a few

words. Ask questions which

your notes answer.

Record Column

--6 Inches--

Record the lectures as fully as possible.

Reduce ColumnReduce the main

points of this page of your homework/lecture notes.

--2

1/2

I nch

es--

Step #2: Record

Record in Class/for homework• During your reading, write as many facts as you

can. – Use abbreviations, but get the full idea.

– When taking notes leave some spaces between ideas so you can fill in more later. This way you can add info you missed.

Step #3: Reduce

Reduce after class • As soon after class as possible, summarize these ideas

and facts in as few words as possible in the Reduce Column. – Example: This class focused on the three ways Americans

were changed by World War II, which included x, y, and z. It also taught a and b.

– Helps show relationships between points & strengthens memory.

– Prepares you for exams gradually & ahead of time.

Step #4: Recall

• Recalling what your wrote in your notes, write questions in the Recall column of your notes to quiz yourself on the material.– Write your question next to the material that

answers the question you are quizzing yourself on.

– Write a question for each new idea

presented in your notes.

--For vocab, write the word for the definition given in class.

Step #4: Recall, Continued

• The questions you write in the Recall column will become your best method for checking what you have learned!

Step #5: ReciteThis is the best way to transfer ideas to long term memory,

for that all-important test!

Recite from the Recall Column.• Cover the Record Column.

• Using only the words in the Recall Column, say over the facts as fully as you can in your own words!

• Then, uncover your notes and check what you have said against the facts.

• This step is not required for the summer, but if you want to learn the material you might practice it!

Step #6: Reflect

• Reflect on possible test questions and mark unclear points (this is for class lectures). You can often predict what will be on the test if you did well with the recall column.

• Think about which points will appear on tests & highlight any unclear points so you can ask questions about them before the next lecture.

Step #7: Review

Review to improve your memory.• If you will spend ten (10) minutes every week or so in a

quick review of these old notes, you will retain most of what you have learned and you will relate the facts and ideas to present lectures or readings.

• Research shows that studying 20 minutes each of four days is much more effective for transferring ideas to long term memory than an 80 minute cram session the night before a test.

Other Notetaking Requirements

You must get notes from a classmate you trust whenever you miss a day.

Notes for each lecture should begin on a new page.

ALWAYS date your lecture notes. For text notes, give the page range for each section of

notes.

For lecture notes, never use a sentence when you can use a phrase, or a phrase when you can use a word.

Notetaking Tips

Use indentations to distinguish between major and minor points.

Put most notes in your own words. However, the following should be noted exactly:

• Formulas , Definitions, and Specific facts

Use abbreviations and symbols wherever possible. Note down unfamiliar vocabulary and unclear areas.

If you should miss something completely, leave a blank space and get it later.

Notetaking Tips, Cont.

Develop a code system of note-marking to indicate questions, comments, important points, due dates of assignments, etc.

Make sure you can understand what you have written and, if needed, make corrections.

Notetaking Tips, Cont.

Clear up misunderstandings or fill in missing information by consulting classmates or Mr.

Sandford

Suggestions for Abbreviations

Government gov

Latin America LA

Doubling dbg

Water H20

Suggestions Cont.

With w/

Within w/i

Without w/o

For example e.g.

That is I.e.

Because b/c

Especially esp

Versus vs

How to read your textbook

Start by Surveying the Text• DON’T READ AT FIRST!!!!!!• Skim over the pages• Look at the structure of the chapter• Look at headings, titles, subtitles• Look for summaries• Identify major themes/ideas you will encounter

After Survey, then Engage the textbook

• Return to the start and read one section at a time.

• Write the key points in your OWN words on the right side of your notebook.

• Use the Cornell Method of note-taking.

The End!

Special thanks to Barth Derryberry and Palm Beach Atlantic University