How to Take Cornell Notes In 3 Easy Steps

If you’ve ever felt like your notes are all over the place or that you can’t seem to retain what you’ve written down, Cornell Notes are just what you need. Developed in the 1950s by Professor Walter Pauk at Cornell University, this method was designed to help students capture and organise information more effectively.

Over time, it’s become a favourite note-taking strategy for students and professionals alike, whether using a note-taking tablet or writing by hand.

Ready to get more organised and retain information better? Let’s dive into the Cornell Notes method!

What Are Cornell Notes?

The Cornell Note-taking Method is a structured way of organising your notes. The page is divided into three sections: the cue or question column, the notes section, and the summary section. Each part has a specific purpose, helping you digest and review your notes more efficiently.

This method isn’t just for academic settings; it can be used for work, meetings, and personal projects too. The goal is to make your notes clearer, more organised, and easier to review later.

How to Set Up Your Cornell Notes Page

Setting up your Cornell Notes is simple and quick:

Divide Your Paper Into Three Sections:

1. Cue/Question Column (Left side, about 2.5 inches wide): Use this section for key terms, questions, or main ideas.

2. Notes Section (Right side, about 6 inches wide): This is where you’ll write the bulk of your notes during a lecture or reading.

3. Summary Section (Bottom, about 2 inches tall): After the lecture or meeting, use this space to summarise the key points of what you learned.

If you’re using a digital notebook or a notes app, you can still follow the same structure, keeping the three sections in mind as you type.

A blank template illustrating how to take Cornell notes. The page is divided into three sections with red lines: the left column is labelled “Cues Column,” the larger right column is labelled “Note-Taking Column,” and the bottom section, spanning the width of the page, is labelled “Summary.” The background features horizontal ruled lines, resembling a notebook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Taking Cornell Notes

1. Record Your Notes in the Notes Section

The right-hand section of the page is where you jot down all the essential information during class, meetings, or while reading. Keep your notes concise, using bullet points or short phrases. You can also include diagrams, graphs, or any visual aids that might help you remember key concepts.

2. Add Questions or Cues in the Left Column

After the session (or as you go, if you can manage both), write questions, keywords, or main ideas in the cue/recall column on the left side. These questions should help you understand the material better and serve as a useful study tool later. The questions in this column can be prompts for self-testing or reviewing later.

For example, if you’re taking notes in a history lecture, your notes section might include key dates, events, and people, while the cue column would list questions like “Who was the leader during X event?” or “What were the consequences of Y decision?”

3. Summarise in the Bottom Section

After the lecture, reading, or meeting, summarise what you learned in your own words in the summary section. This step helps to reinforce the information and acts as a quick reference when reviewing later. The summary section should be brief – just a few sentences that capture the most important points.

You can also find pre-made Cornell templates online if you’d prefer not to create one from scratch.

A completed example of the Cornell note-taking method. The left “Cues Column” includes prompts such as “Definition,” “Chlorophyll,” “Formula,” and “Why is it important?” The “Note-Taking Column” contains detailed notes about photosynthesis, including its definition, the role of chlorophyll, the formula for the process, and its significance in providing oxygen and supporting the food chain. The “Summary” section at the bottom states: “Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert light energy into food, releasing oxygen as a by-product. Chlorophyll plays a key role in capturing sunlight.” The page maintains a ruled background, and the initials “MB” are in the bottom right corner.

What Are The Benefits Of Cornell Note-Taking?

Cornell Notes are designed to help you not just capture information but understand and retain it as well. Here’s why this method is effective:

• Organised Structure: By separating your notes into different sections, you’re already halfway to understanding the material better. It forces you to engage with the information in different ways.

• Easy Review: The cue section allows you to quiz yourself later by covering up the notes and trying to answer the questions. This turns passive note-taking into active learning.

• Effective Summarising: Summarising helps you process the material in your own words, ensuring that you understand it and remember it better.

• Works Across Subjects: Whether you’re studying for an exam, preparing for a presentation, or attending a work meeting, the Cornell method can be adapted to any context.

Start Using Cornell Notes Today!

Now that you know how to take Cornell Notes, it’s time to put this technique into practice. Whether you’re a student or professional, this simple method can transform how you capture and review information, not to mention improve your retention.

Give it a try in your next class, meeting, or personal project, and see how much more organised and effective your notes become!