The Cornell Method is a note-taking system created in the 1950s at Cornell University in the United States. In this article, I am going to introduce you to this method so that you know it and can determine if it can help you or not.
It is important to mention that in order to implement this method you will not require anything more than paper and a pen. The system consists of separating your notes into different spaces and no additional complement is necessary.
The origin of the Cornell Method
This method gets its name because it was created at Cornell University. Its creator was Walter Pauk, PhD in psychology and education, Director of the Center for Studies and Reading of this university.
Pauk dedicated his life to the research and development of study techniques. In 1962 he wrote the study guide called How to study at university (How to study in college).
The Cornell Method is what it is best known for. A system for taking notes in class at the university. Next, we are going to know the method in detail.
The Cornell Method
This system of notes does not require any type of additional element. Just have paper and a pen. You will find explanations on the internet where the use of A4 paper is recommended, which is surely the best, but it is not mandatory.
Blade division into areas
When you take notes normally, without any type of method, you start at the top of the page and work your way down while writing, covering all the space, respecting only the margins of the page.
The Cornell Method is different. It requires dividing each page into zones and in each of these zones, different content will be dumped.
Let’s see what those areas are in the following image:
- Header: The header should include administrative data such as the name of the subject, the date, the page number, and a good recommendation too: note which teacher gives the class.
- Notes: here the common notes should be added. That is, it is the normal note that you take in class.
- Side: In the area on the left side, what should be noted are questions, concepts and keys that are related to the main content. But this is not done at the time of taking the note, but later, in a review to complete the notes. The idea is to do this review on the same day.
- Summary: After taking the notes in class and after reviewing them to mark the important ones in the side area, it is time to make a brief summary in a couple of lines. This synthesis goes in this lower area of the note.
As I said before, in some places you will find exact measurements with how many centimetres each area should have, but it really is not that important. Also, everything varies according to the sheet you use. In the meanwhile, you can explore can pursue with essay writing service where experts are doing it for your children.
Advantages of the Cornell Method
- The main advantage of this method is that it is already organized and structured. You just have to follow the rules to implement it.
- It requires a review. This is great because many students don’t tend to review their notes after class. For the method, it is essential to complete the information.
- It easily allows studying of the note. Because the idea of having a lateral section to write down concepts, keys and questions is to be able to go looking at the notes, cover the main section with your hand or a sheet while we read the left column and see if we can answer the questions that are posed ourselves. This is similar to studying with flashcards.
Disadvantages of the Cornell Method
- It takes more time. You have to prepare the sheets and then complete the information in all the notes. College students will know that in a single class, content sheets and sheets can be covered. This method adds more work to be done.
A method to test
Taking notes is very personal, and how you do it varies from person to person. Implementing a method can be annoying for many. Therefore, my recommendation is that you put it to the test and determine if it works for you or not.
Until next time!
