Study Skills - Note Taking
 
The Cornell System

 This note-taking system was developed at Cornell University. The Cornell System is based on effective learning strategies that researchers and successful students have found improve understanding and performance. Consider the following:

  • Unless lecture notes are reviewed, most people forget up to 80% of what they have heard in class within 24 hours.
     

  • Active processing of information (analyzing, summarizing, putting into own words, reciting) increases understanding and leads to enhanced ability to recall and apply information.
     

  • Students who anticipate possible test questions and practice answering these questions perform better on tests than students who do not.
     

  • Taking the time to actively review and study notes on a regular basis is one of the easiest and most efficient study skill improvements a student can make.

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    Materials:

    Loose-leaf notebook & hole punch: allows you to insert handouts and supplementary notes.

    Paper: paper used for the Cornell System has a 2 ½ or 3 inch left margin. Many students create their own Cornell-style paper with a ruler and a pen. You can also purchase special paper called summary paper which is set up for taking notes with the Cornell System.

    In Class:

     Take all notes to the right of the margin line. See "Note Taking Styles"

    After Class (within 24 hours):
    1. Review your notes, filling in blanks and making them as complete, legible, and accurate as possible.
    2. Go back over your notes and identify key ideas and terms.
    3. On the left side of the margin, write down these key words or ideas opposite the complete notes. You can also write questions on the left side that can be answered by the information on the right side.
    4. Cover up your notes on the right side of the margin with another sheet of paper. Look at your key words or questions on the left side and attempt to recite (out loud if possible) the related information from your notes.
    5. Check to see if you have recited all of the information correctly. If you missed anything, study it until you feel comfortable with it and again try to recite the information. Continue this process until you are completely familiar with the material.

    Weekly, Throughout the Quarter:

    Set up a weekly time to review all notes for the week—perhaps 30 minutes every Sunday afternoon. By covering up your notes and reciting from key words and questions you will continue to learn the information and prepare yourself for exams.

    Study Skills Home :: Time Management :: Note Taking :: Reading :: Test Taking :: Math & Science