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TAKING NOTES - THE CORNELL
METHOD
 Having a method for taking
effective notes is essential to each student's success in college.
During most classes new information is introduced, much of which is not
available in the text for the class. Writing this information down
in a well organized manner not only assures that you can refer to it in
the future, but the act of taking notes assists with recall of the
information. The Cornell note taking method is a strategy that
many students find helpful. The method, also called the split
page, or 1/3 - 2/3 method is outlined here.
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Take a piece of regular,
lined notebook paper. Draw a vertical line about 1/3 of the
way from the left margin.
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Think of the
right
hand column, as "the instructor's section".
This is where you would take note during class, writing in outline,
abbreviated form the information given during class.
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Think of the
left
hand column, as "your section". This is where
you would make notes to yourself about the information the
instructor presented. Usually this is done after class.
It might contain a 1 or 2 word summary of the right hand column, or
a reminder, something to emphasize the information. You could
also use this to write your own "quiz" question.
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To review your notes, cover
either column and try to recall the information. You can write
out your answers, repeat them out loud, or mentally.
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A sample is
given below:
| 3"
(Left --"Your Section") |
5"
(Right --"Instructor's Section")
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| Put main
ideas in this column |
Take
notes on what is said during class here. |
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Put supporting ideas - explanation, details,
definitions, examples - here |
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Use
abbrev., symbols as shorthand |
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Use
lots of space --> easier studying
Avoid outlining here and complete
sentences - take too much time.
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Good for
test-taking |
Becomes an instant review/study sheet (fold on
2" line and recall supporting ideas from main ideas)
Easy to forecast test questions by looking at main
ideas.
Irene Lietz,
Spring,
1987 |
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