Developed at Cornell University by Walter Pauk, the Cornell Method is one of the most researched and effective note-taking systems. Its secret: it builds review and self-testing directly into the notes.
The Cornell Format
Divide your page into three sections:
Right column (largest, ~6"): Main notes during lecture/reading
Left column (narrow, ~2.5"): Cues, questions, keywords (added after)
Bottom section (~2"): Summary (added after)
How to Use It
During Class/Reading
Take notes in the main column. Focus on:
- Main ideas
- Key details
- Examples
- Don't write everything—capture essence
Within 24 Hours After
- Review your notes
- Write questions and keywords in the left column
- These become study prompts
- Write a brief summary at the bottom
When Studying
- Cover the main notes column
- Use the cues/questions to test yourself
- Check your answers against the notes
- Focus on questions you couldn't answer
Why Cornell Works
Active processing: Creating cues and summaries requires thinking about the material
Built-in testing: The cue column creates instant flashcards
Organized review: Summaries let you quickly review main points
Spaced repetition: The review cycle spaces your practice
Tips for Better Cornell Notes
- Leave space in the notes column to add later
- Make cue questions specific, not vague
- Write summaries in your own words
- Review notes before the next class
- Use abbreviations consistently
Digital Cornell Notes
Many apps support Cornell format:
- OneNote has Cornell templates
- Notion can be set up for Cornell
- Or use any app with columns
Common Mistakes
- Writing too much (capture essence, not transcription)
- Skipping the cue column (that's where the learning happens)
- Never reviewing (notes are useless unreviewed)
- Vague cues ("Important stuff" vs. "What are the 3 types of memory?")
Related Articles:
- Note-Taking Methods Compared
- Active Recall Techniques
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