Cornell Notetaking Method

The Cornell notetaking method is a system for writing, organizing, and then reviewing notes. It was invented by former Cornell University Professor Walter Paul in the 1950s.
The Cornell notetaking method takes advantage of the fact that handwritten notes are a better way to retain and understand information than notes taken on a device.
The Cornell notetaking method involves a sheet of paper divided into two columns and three rows. The smaller column contains question-based prompts that later become self-examination questions, while the column adjacent contains the notes themselves. On the bottom is a summary of the information in one or two sentences.

Component	Description
Definition	The Cornell Note-Taking Method is a structured approach to taking notes during lectures, readings, or presentations. It was developed by Walter Pauk at Cornell University and is designed to help students organize, review, and retain information effectively. It features a specific note-taking format that includes cues for summarization and review.
Note-Taking Format	The Cornell Method involves dividing your note paper into three sections: – Cues/Questions Column: The leftmost section where you jot down questions, keywords, or cues that prompt your memory. – Notes Column: The largest section on the right where you record main ideas, details, and explanations. – Summary Section: Located at the bottom, it’s used to summarize the main points of the notes in a concise manner.
Process	1. Before the lecture or reading, create the note paper with the three sections. 2. During the session, take notes in the “Notes Column” while listening or reading actively. 3. In the “Cues/Questions Column,” write down keywords, questions, or prompts based on your notes. 4. After the session, use the “Summary Section” to condense the main ideas and key points. 5. During review, cover the notes and use the cues to test your understanding and memory.
Benefits	– Organization: The method organizes notes systematically for easy review. – Active Engagement: Encourages active listening and reading. – Effective Review: The cues and summaries facilitate quick and effective review. – Retrieval Practice: Using cues aids memory retrieval during exams.
Drawbacks	– Time-Consuming: Preparing the note paper and creating cues may take extra time initially. – Less Flexibility: Some topics may not fit well into the Cornell format. – Dependent on Cue Quality: Effective cues are essential for the method’s success.
Applications	The Cornell Note-Taking Method is widely used by students of all ages in classrooms and lecture settings. It’s also applicable to business meetings, workshops, and seminars for professionals seeking efficient note-taking and review techniques.
Variations	While the traditional Cornell format is commonly used, individuals may adapt and modify it to suit their needs. Digital note-taking tools and templates often incorporate the Cornell structure for electronic note-taking.
Examples	– A college student takes Cornell-style notes during a history lecture, creating cues for key events and dates. – A project manager uses a digital Cornell template during a team meeting to record discussion points and action items. – A researcher applies the Cornell Method when reading academic papers, summarizing research findings for future reference.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Cornell notetaking method

The Cornell note-taking method is a system for writing, organizing, and then reviewing notes.

The Cornell note-taking method was invented by former Cornell University Professor Walter Paul in the 1950s. The method, which was initially used to take notes in lectures, can also be used by businesspeople during client interactions.

The ability to take effective notes is a skill that must be developed. Some studies have shown that students who took their own notes outperformed those who were given notes by the instructor.

Despite the preference for tech-based notetaking today, research has also found that taking notes by hand remains a more efficient way to conceptualize or remember information.

The Cornell method takes advantage of this fact, requiring individuals to hand-write notes on a sheet of paper divided into various segments. This process is explained in more detail below.

The five steps of the Cornell notetaking method

The Cornell notetaking method is relatively easy to perform. Simply follow these three steps.

Step 1 – Prepare the sheet of paper and take notes

Prepare the sheet of paper by dividing it into three segments:

The review/self-test column – start with a column on the left-hand side around 7 cm wide. This is the column where cues, hints, phrases, or prompts are written (usually in the form of questions) to test your understanding of the material.
The note-taking column – on the right-hand side is the note-taking column where you write your notes as usual. This includes questions and answers, diagrams, formulas, and any relevant or useful comments.
The summary row – at the bottom of the sheet of paper occupying its full width is the space where you summarize the information in one or two sentences. The summary section can also describe information that needs further clarification.

Step 2 – Test yourself

Once you have completed the review column, note-taking column, and summary row, obscure the column where you recorded your notes.

Then, use the question-based cues, hints, and prompts to review the information and test your level of comprehension.

Questions about concepts you didn’t understand completely can be put to the instructor or otherwise at the next session or meeting.

Step 3 – Rehearse the information

The notes should be reviewed several times a week to ensure the information is retained. Ten minutes should suffice in most cases.

During this time, some useful reflection questions include:

What is the significance of the learned information?
How can I use facts to the organization’s advantage?
How does the information fit into the context of what I already know?
What principles are the facts based on?
What is still beyond my level of comprehension?

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Sales Training Workshop

Scenario: Emily, a sales manager, attends a full-day sales training workshop with her team. The workshop covers various topics, including effective sales techniques, customer relationship management, and product knowledge updates.

Emily wants to ensure that her team captures all the important information presented during the workshop to improve their sales performance.

Implementation of Cornell Method:

Emily provides her team with notebooks divided into three sections using the Cornell notetaking method.

Throughout the workshop, team members actively take notes in the notes column, focusing on key sales strategies, techniques, and insights shared by the trainers.

In the cues/questions column, they jot down questions, prompts, and keywords related to the notes to facilitate review and comprehension. After each session, they summarize the main takeaways and action items discussed in the summary section.

Outcome:

By using the Cornell method during the sales training workshop, Emily and her team effectively organize their notes and retain important information. The structured format helps team members focus on key concepts and strategies, ensuring that they don’t miss critical details.

After the workshop, they review their notes regularly and use the cues/questions column to test their understanding and reinforce their learning.

As a result, they are better equipped to apply the new sales techniques and strategies in their interactions with clients, leading to improved sales performance and customer satisfaction.

Case Study 2: Strategy Planning Meeting

Scenario:

David, a senior manager, leads a strategy planning meeting with his team to discuss upcoming projects, goals, and action plans for the quarter. The meeting involves brainstorming sessions, presentations, and discussions on various strategic initiatives.

David wants to ensure that all key ideas and decisions made during the meeting are captured effectively for future reference and implementation.

Implementation of Cornell Method:

David provides meeting participants with notebooks or digital templates formatted according to the Cornell notetaking method.

During the strategy planning meeting, participants actively take notes in the notes column, capturing key ideas, decisions, and action points discussed. In the cues/questions column, they write down questions, prompts, and keywords related to the notes to facilitate review and clarification.

After the meeting, they summarize the main takeaways and action items in the summary section, highlighting important deadlines and responsibilities.

Outcome:

By using the Cornell method during the strategy planning meeting, David and his team ensure that all important information and decisions are documented effectively.

The structured format helps participants organize their notes and focus on key priorities and action items. After the meeting, they review their notes regularly and use the cues/questions column to follow up on unresolved issues and clarify any questions or uncertainties.

As a result, they are able to execute the strategic initiatives more efficiently and achieve their goals for the quarter.

Key Highlights

Origin and Purpose: The Cornell notetaking method was developed by former Cornell University Professor Walter Paul in the 1950s. It’s a system designed for writing, organizing, and reviewing notes effectively.
Advantages of Handwritten Notes: The method capitalizes on the fact that handwritten notes are better for retention and understanding compared to digital notes.
Structure of Cornell Notetaking Method:
- A sheet of paper is divided into two columns and three rows.
- The left column is the “review/self-test” column, where question-based prompts or cues are written to test understanding later.
- The right column is the “note-taking” column, where actual notes, diagrams, formulas, and comments are written.
- The bottom row is for summarizing the information in one or two sentences.
Application and Process:
- The method is suitable for lectures, business meetings, or any situation where effective note-taking is required.
- There are five main steps to follow:
  - Prepare the paper with the three segments.
  - Take notes on the right column as usual.
  - Use the left column to create question-based prompts.
  - Summarize the information at the bottom.
  - Test yourself using the cues in the left column and review your notes.
Benefits and Efficacy:
- Research suggests that students who take their own notes tend to perform better compared to those given notes by instructors.
- Handwritten notes are proven to be more effective for conceptualizing and retaining information.
Testing and Rehearsal:
- Regularly review the notes, ideally a few times a week.
- Rehearse the information and test comprehension using the question-based cues.
- Reflection questions can help deepen understanding and connect the information to existing knowledge.
Key Takeaways: The Cornell notetaking method is an effective way to organize and review notes. Developed by Walter Paul, it utilizes the structure of columns and rows to help users take effective notes, create self-testing cues, and summarize key points. This handwritten approach enhances comprehension and retention, making it useful for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to improve their note-taking skills.

Related Framework	Description	When to Apply
Cornell Notetaking Method	– The Cornell Notetaking Method is a systematic approach to organizing lecture or reading notes to enhance comprehension and retention. – It involves dividing the page into three sections: a main note-taking area, a cue column, and a summary section. – This method encourages active engagement, selective listening, and synthesis of key concepts.	– Utilize the Cornell Notetaking Method during lectures, seminars, or when reading academic texts to enhance comprehension and retention of key information. – Use it to organize notes systematically, identify key concepts, and summarize key ideas for review and reinforcement. – Cornell Notetaking Method fosters active learning, critical thinking, and effective study habits, leading to improved academic performance.
Outline Method	– The Outline Method involves structuring notes hierarchically using bullet points or numbers to organize information into main topics, subtopics, and supporting details. – It provides a clear, organized framework for capturing and reviewing lecture or reading content. – Outline Method facilitates understanding of the relationships between ideas and promotes efficient note-taking during lectures or while studying.	– Adopt the Outline Method when capturing structured information, organizing complex concepts, and creating study guides or summaries. – Use it to outline lectures, textbook chapters, or research articles to identify main ideas, subtopics, and supporting details. – Outline Method helps students and professionals organize information systematically, facilitating comprehension, review, and synthesis of key concepts.
Mind Mapping	– Mind Mapping is a visual note-taking technique that involves creating diagrams to represent ideas, concepts, and relationships in a hierarchical structure. – It encourages creativity, association, and nonlinear thinking, allowing users to capture and organize information in a visually engaging format. – Mind Mapping facilitates brainstorming, problem-solving, and knowledge organization.	– Embrace Mind Mapping for capturing and organizing ideas, brainstorming solutions, and visualizing complex relationships or concepts. – Use it to create visual summaries, study aids, or project plans to enhance understanding and retention of information. – Mind Mapping stimulates creativity, enhances memory retention, and promotes holistic understanding of topics, making it a valuable tool for students, educators, and professionals alike.
Charting Method	– The Charting Method involves creating tables or charts to organize information systematically, making it easier to compare and analyze data. – It is particularly useful for recording data sets, statistical information, or comparative analysis. – Charting Method enhances clarity, facilitates data interpretation, and supports effective decision-making.	– Utilize the Charting Method when organizing structured information, comparing data sets, or conducting quantitative analysis. – Use it to create tables, graphs, or matrices to present data in a clear, concise format. – Charting Method assists in summarizing complex information, identifying trends, and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes.
SQ3R Method	– The SQ3R Method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) is a study technique designed to improve reading comprehension and retention. – It involves previewing the text, generating questions, actively reading, summarizing key points, and reviewing material regularly. – SQ3R Method promotes active engagement, critical thinking, and effective study habits.	– Adopt the SQ3R Method when reading textbooks, research articles, or other informational texts to enhance comprehension and retention. – Use it to preview the material, generate questions, and actively engage with the text while reading. – SQ3R Method encourages systematic study habits, promotes deeper understanding of content, and improves long-term retention of key concepts.
Pomodoro Technique	– The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into intervals (typically 25 minutes), separated by short breaks. – It helps maintain focus, increase productivity, and manage distractions by working in short, concentrated bursts. – Pomodoro Technique enhances time management skills, reduces procrastination, and fosters a sense of accomplishment.	– Implement the Pomodoro Technique when studying, taking notes, or working on tasks that require sustained focus and concentration. – Use it to structure study sessions, manage time effectively, and maintain productivity throughout the day. – Pomodoro Technique promotes work-life balance, prevents burnout, and improves task completion rates by breaking work into manageable intervals and incorporating regular breaks.
Memory Palace Technique	– The Memory Palace Technique, also known as the Method of Loci, is a mnemonic device that involves associating information with visual images and spatial locations. – It leverages spatial memory to encode and recall information more effectively by mentally placing it in familiar environments. – Memory Palace Technique enhances memory retention, recall, and memorization of complex information.	– Utilize the Memory Palace Technique when memorizing lists, sequences, or factual information for exams, presentations, or speeches. – Use it to create vivid mental images, associate information with spatial locations, and strengthen memory recall. – Memory Palace Technique harnesses the power of visual-spatial memory to enhance learning, retention, and recall of information, making it a valuable tool for students, professionals, and anyone seeking to improve memory skills.
Flow-Based Notetaking	– Flow-Based Notetaking is a dynamic approach to note-taking that involves capturing ideas, insights, and connections as they arise in real-time. – It emphasizes capturing thoughts fluidly without strict formatting or structure, allowing ideas to flow naturally. – Flow-Based Notetaking promotes creativity, spontaneity, and nonlinear thinking, facilitating idea generation and exploration.	– Adopt Flow-Based Notetaking during brainstorming sessions, meetings, or creative endeavors to capture ideas as they emerge. – Use it to record insights, observations, and connections in a flexible, free-flowing manner without worrying about structure or formatting. – Flow-Based Notetaking encourages creative expression, supports idea generation, and fosters a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and exploration.
Bullet Journaling	– Bullet Journaling is a customizable organization system that combines note-taking, planning, and journaling into a single format. – It uses bullet points, symbols, and rapid logging to capture tasks, events, and ideas quickly and efficiently. – Bullet Journaling promotes mindfulness, productivity, and reflection by providing a structured yet flexible framework for managing tasks and goals.	– Embrace Bullet Journaling as a versatile tool for task management, goal setting, and personal organization. – Use it to track habits, plan projects, and reflect on experiences in a single, centralized system. – Bullet Journaling enhances productivity, reduces overwhelm, and fosters self-awareness by promoting intentional living and mindful decision-making.
Structured Query Language	– Structured Query Language (SQL) is a programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases. – It enables users to retrieve, insert, update, and delete data from databases using standardized syntax and commands. – SQL is essential for data analysis, reporting, and database management tasks across various industries and applications.	– Learn Structured Query Language (SQL) to query databases, perform data analysis, and extract insights from structured data sources. – Use it to retrieve specific information, filter data sets, and generate reports for decision-making purposes. – SQL proficiency is valuable for data professionals, analysts, and anyone working with relational databases to extract meaningful insights and drive business decisions effectively.
Active Listening	– Active Listening is a communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. – It emphasizes empathy, nonverbal cues, and paraphrasing to demonstrate understanding and build rapport with the speaker. – Active Listening fosters mutual respect, trust, and effective communication in interpersonal interactions and professional settings.	– Practice Active Listening during conversations, meetings, or presentations to enhance communication and deepen understanding. – Use it to show empathy, validate others’ perspectives, and build stronger relationships through attentive engagement. – Active Listening cultivates trust, fosters collaboration, and improves communication outcomes by promoting mutual respect and understanding in personal and professional interactions.