The Cornell Note Taking System
The Cornell note taking system was developed by Walter Pauk, an emeritus professor of education at Cornell University. Learn more about this note taking framework by reading Chapter 5 in Pauk's book, How to Study in College (5th ed.).
Distinctive features
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Uses a unique page layout with large margins. See the diagram above.
Area 1 -- The Note Taking Area
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The space to the right of the vertical margin is where you actually record your notes during the lecture.
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Pick a note-taking format with which you are comfortable.
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Do not attempt to transcribe verbatim every word spoken by the instructor. Separate the essential material from the non-essential.
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Develop a system of abbreviations you understand, and emphasize key ideas, rather than the actual words used.
Area 2 -- The Cue Column
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The space to the left of the vertical margin is reserved for a cue column.
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Do not write in this area during the lecture.
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When you review your notes, devise questions which the notes answer. These questions are the "cues" that should be written in the cue column.
Area 3 -- The Summary Space
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Reserve space at the bottom of the page for a brief summary of your notes -- at most, only a few sentences.
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This summary is useful for later review, and to help you see how specific facts fit into the broader landscape.
