How do I use the Cornell note-taking method?
Setting up the page
Draw a vertical line roughly two to two and a half inches from the left edge of the page, and a horizontal line about two inches from the bottom. The narrow left column is the cue column, the large right area is for notes, and the bottom section is the summary. Put the date and topic at the top so the page is easy to find later.
Digital versions work the same way, using two panels or a table. The layout matters more than the tool, so choose the setup you will use consistently.
- Cue column for keywords, questions or prompts
- Notes area for main ideas and details during class
- Summary area for two or three sentences at the bottom
- Date and topic at the top of each page
Taking notes and reviewing
During class, write key points in the notes area using short phrases and abbreviations you understand. After class, within a day, write questions or keywords in the cue column that match the notes. Cover the notes area, try to explain each cue aloud, then check yourself.
The summary is written last, in your own words. Reviewing the cue column regularly is what turns the page into a study tool.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the summary, which removes the step that helps the material stick.
- Leaving the cue column blank, so review means reading everything again.
- Writing full sentences during class and running out of time for the summary.
