Since Dr. Walter Burke invented the Cornell Note-Taking Method, it has been widely used for listening to lectures, reading, reviewing, and memorizing materials. Using this method can systematize your notes, actively engage you in the creation of knowledge, improve your learning ability, and thus help you achieve learning outcomes.

Cornell Note-Taking Method

Part 1: Preparing the Notebook

1. Prepare a dedicated notebook.

Draw a horizontal line connecting the left and right edges of the paper. This line will divide the page into a 3:1 ratio, leaving a 2-inch margin at the bottom. This area is reserved for summarizing.

2. Draw a vertical line on the left side.

This vertical line should be about 2.5 inches from the left edge. This area is for review.

3. As you can see, there is a large blank space on the right side of the page.

This area is for taking notes during lectures or while reading, giving you ample space to record key points.

4. Of course, if you don't want too much trouble, you can use a template downloaded online.

You can print out the "Cornell style" template and use it. (Translator's note: You can Google "Cornell template" to download the template.)

Part Two: Taking Notes

1. Write your course name, date, and the title of the course or the book you are reading at the top of the page.

By consistently doing this, you will make your notes more systematic, and it will be easier for you to find the parts you want to review when you study.

2. Take notes in the largest section of each page.

When you are listening to a lecture or reading, you should only take notes in the area on your right. Your notes should include all the content written on the blackboard or shown on the slides.

3. Use notes for active learning, including active listening and reading.

You should write down every key point you encounter. Pay attention to signals that indicate important information. If your teacher says something like, "The three most important meanings of XXX are..." or "The occurrence of XXX phenomenon is caused by two basic reasons," then such information should be noted in your notes.

If you're listening to a lecture, then what's repeatedly emphasized is likely important. These tips also apply when you're reading text.

Textbooks usually highlight important content in bold, and the charts and graphs in the book are also worth careful consideration.

4. Keep it simple.

Keep this in mind: your notes should ultimately serve as an outline for the lecture content or the books you read. Focus on capturing keywords or key phrases so you can keep up with the lecturer or speaker's pace—and afterwards you'll have ample time to fill in any gaps.

Don't try to write every word down on paper. Use emphasis marks, special symbols (such as using "&" instead of "and"), abbreviations, or shorthand symbols that you "invent" yourself.

This makes it easier for you to stay focused and follow the train of thought, without missing any information.

5. Record the central idea, ignoring explanatory examples.

Write down the main idea or key points, rather than trying to record the examples. Examples exist only to prove the central idea. Paraphrasing the central idea not only saves time and space, but also forces you to express the given points in your own words, which will make them easier to remember.

6. When you begin studying the next topic, leave a few lines between it and your previous notes.

Alternatively, draw a dividing line, or simply turn to the next page! This will help you systematize the material in your mind.

This can also help you focus on different parts more quickly when you need to look at something.

7. Write down any questions you encounter, no matter when.

If there's anything you don't understand or aren't clear about, quickly jot it down. These questions will help you digest the new knowledge.

8. Always correct your notes.

If there is anything in your notes that is difficult to understand or makes no sense, then correct it while that knowledge is still in your mind.

Part Three: Review and Extension

1. Summarize keywords.

After listening to a speech or reading a book, quickly extract the key ideas and facts from the right side of your notebook. Write these condensed key points in the left column. Pay attention to the crucial words and the most important concepts.

Spending a day reviewing the course materials (including lectures or readings) will enhance memory retention. If you are a visual learner, you can underline or highlight the main points in the right-hand column of the page.

2. Write down any related questions that come to mind in the left column.

Think about the notes in the right column, guess what questions might appear on the exam, and then write them in the left column. These will then become our study tools.

3. Write your summary in the column at the bottom of the page. This will make your thinking clearer.

Generally, a few sentences are sufficient for our summary. If necessary, formulas, equations, and charts can be included. You can summarize the main points in your own words; this is a good way to check your understanding.

If you can summarize the main points in your own words, then you've grasped the course material to a certain extent. Then, you might ask yourself, "How would I explain these points to someone else?"

However, if you encounter difficulties when summarizing a section of course material, you might want to check your notes for any questions you haven't yet understood, or you can directly ask your teacher for help.

Part Four: Learn from Your Notes

1. Read your notes.

Focus on your notes in the left and bottom columns. These are where you've recorded the key points you'll need most for the quiz or exam. If you like, underline or mark the most important parts while reviewing.

2. Use your notes to test your understanding of the knowledge.

Cover your right side with your palm or a piece of paper and try to answer the questions you wrote in the left column. Then remove your palm or paper to check your answers. You can also ask a friend to ask you questions.

3. Review your notes as frequently as possible.

Maintaining a good habit of regular review over a longer period of time, rather than cramming before the exam, will greatly improve your memory and deepen your understanding.

By effectively using the Cornell Note-Taking Method, you will minimize the resistance you face and maximize your learning results!