Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

The Cornell System

Nobody is taught how to write notes, and even at Master's level, it may be difficult for students (especially disorganised ones like me) to know exactly how to organise their ideas. The Cornell System of note taking, developed in the 1950s and becoming more popular, is one way of taking notes in a way that can aid the retention and use of information. In the left hand column, the writer writes cues and the main note taking is done in the right hand column. The bottom part also has a reflective function. Once the notes have been written, you can add your own thoughts, questions and ideas which haven't been mentioned in the lecture.

Click here to download:
advancednotes.pdf (2 KB)
(download)
The four Rs

Record

Take notes during a lecture using abbreviations and paraphrasing.

Recite

Cover your notes and test yourself from the prompts.

Reflect

Reflect on the notes. Be critical, and question the importance of the information and how it fits with your own ideas

Review

Review your notes. Your ideas and opinions may change over time as you learn more.