What are cornell notes?
Cornell notes are a note-taking system that follows a specific format that helps you keep your notes organized. We expect all your notes to be in this format and written in blue or black ink.
Step 1: Divide your paper
Please draw a horizontal line about five lines from the bottom of the paper. This section will be for summarizing. After, draw a vertical line about two inches from the left margin.
Step 2: Label your document
Write your name, date, class and period on the upper right hand corner of the document. Then write the topic of your notes on the top line.
Step 3: Take Notes
Step 4: Review and Clarify
Within 24 hours of writing your notes, review your notes. You will then pull out main ideas, key points and people, vocabulary, and dates and write these down in the left side column.
Step 5: Summarize
Write a short summary of the key points in the bottom section of the page. Remember that a summary should be brief and should be clear. Ask yourself: What's the gist of this topic?
Step 6: REVIEW!
We take notes for a reason. In order for this to be a meaningful process, you need to study your notes. When reviewing the notes, you can cover the note-taking column and ask yourself the questions and key terms in the left column. This is a great way to quiz yourself.
Step 1: Divide your paper
Please draw a horizontal line about five lines from the bottom of the paper. This section will be for summarizing. After, draw a vertical line about two inches from the left margin.
Step 2: Label your document
Write your name, date, class and period on the upper right hand corner of the document. Then write the topic of your notes on the top line.
Step 3: Take Notes
- Take notes on the right, larger box.
- Skip a line between ideas and topics.
- Don't use complete sentences. Use abbreviations and symbols. You don't have the time to write everything out.
- During the event of a PowerPoint lecture, PLEASE DO NOT COPY word for word each slide. This will slow you down. Only write down the most important ideas.
Step 4: Review and Clarify
Within 24 hours of writing your notes, review your notes. You will then pull out main ideas, key points and people, vocabulary, and dates and write these down in the left side column.
Step 5: Summarize
Write a short summary of the key points in the bottom section of the page. Remember that a summary should be brief and should be clear. Ask yourself: What's the gist of this topic?
Step 6: REVIEW!
We take notes for a reason. In order for this to be a meaningful process, you need to study your notes. When reviewing the notes, you can cover the note-taking column and ask yourself the questions and key terms in the left column. This is a great way to quiz yourself.
Cornell notes- Examples:
Cornell notes form:
Here is a pdf. template for your own personal use!
cornell_notes_form.pdf | |
File Size: | 5 kb |
File Type: |