It is essential to take notes in an organized manner as it helps in learning better and faster. But what if you are so busy that you do not have time to organize notes? You can keep the Cornell Notes app with you, which lets you quickly take notes, categorize them and even record audio on them when needed.
Where did Cornell Notes come from?
Professor Walter Pauk developed the Cornell Technique in 1949 to increase the success of Cornell University students in reading and listening comprehension. Subsequent studies have proven that this technique makes it much easier to review grades and increases success, for example, when preparing for an exam.
Although the Cornell technique is frequently used abroad, it is not well known in our country. It does not explain how to take notes on a technical basis. It helps in keeping the notes taken in an organized manner. Therefore, it is important to have an idea about how to take notes before learning the application of this technique.
Cornell Notes Taking System Explained
Although the Cornell Method is used in many educational activities, it is a method developed especially for university students. It enables the note taker to be active in learning, allowing them to take regular notes. The Cornell Method provides convenience to university students in midterm and final studies by saving time during the exam period.
- Record: Any information believed to be necessary should be recorded in the ledger. While reading an assignment or listening to a lecture, take notes on the right side of the paper. Fill this column with sentences, paragraphs, outlines, charts, or drawings.
- Reduce: Think of the notes you took on the right side of the paper as a series of answers. Now list the possible test questions on the left that correspond to your grades. Write a question for each main term or point. You can also list the keywords in your notes in this section. You should not fill this section with too much detail.
- Recite: Cover the right side of your notes with a blank sheet of paper. Then look at each item you wrote in the left column and talk about it. If you wrote a question, answer each question. If you wrote keywords, describe each word and talk about why it’s essential. If you wrote headings in the flag column, explain what each means and provide supporting details. After reading, open your notes and find out the important points you missed.
- Reflect: This is about thinking about the information learned. One way to reflect on a particular topic is to ask questions. This will allow you to have a “bigger and clearer picture” of the topic under discussion.
- Summarizing: You need to summarize a particular topic using your own words. By doing this, you can understand the information better than just the information from the textbook or the teacher. You can use the bottom of the page for this.
- Review: You must review your notes at regular intervals that you will determine.
What are the advantages of Cornell notes?
- In addition to being a very effective way to get great grades in the classroom, the Cornell note-taking technique is an excellent method for exam preparation.
- It is systematic and gains speed when it becomes continuous.
- It has an easy format; you do not need to spend much time and effort.
- Once you get used to this technique, browsing past notes will become easier. It will be extra helpful for students while preparing for the exam.
- Thanks to the reflection, review, and illustration stages make it easier for students to remember their study notes.
How do you use the Cornell method effectively?
First of all, reviewing your grades for 10-15 minutes before going to the next lesson will prevent you from getting stuck during the exam week and increase your participation in the lesson. You can also work by marking your notes with a marker while reading.
You can also close your notes on the right side of the paper and test yourself on keywords. You can train a friend on your notes, and you can prepare for your exams by repeating them frequently without stress, thanks to your regular notes.
