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Let’s explore the Cornell note format (Check it out on page 140) Date. The Cornell form provides an area for writing down the date . Write the date on your notes so they can be filed and reviewed in chronological order . Topic. This section is not for writing the subject such as “math” or “history”. It is for writing the topic of the lesson , such as Samurai Values & Traditions in 12th Century Japan. To Do. The traditional Cornell note format doesn’t include a box for to-do information, but students often need a prompt to remember to listen for and write down important tasks. Use the To Do box to record due date, deadline and direction reminders from your teacher. Transfer the information to your planner or e-calendar when you do your homework. Notes Column. The large column on the right side is the area for taking notes . Listen for main points, and supporting ideas and concepts , and write them here. Don’t worry about structure, spelling or grammar. Use abbreviations. Skip a line between concepts or ideas or number them, so they don't get mixed together. If you miss something, write “?”, leave space, and fill in the information later. You can also use this area for diagrams, charts, or other visual aids that help illustrate the concepts your teacher discusses. Cue Column. The narrow column on the left is the cue column . It remains empty while you are taking notes. Review your notes within 24 hours. Reduce the content in the large right column to short descriptions, or key words and phrases and write them in the cue column. You can also use the cue column to formulate questions that are answered by the information in the notes column – sort of like Jeopardy! To improve your retention of the information, try using a different colored ink for each column. For example, take notes in blue ink; write cues in red. Summary/Reflection. The summary box on the bottom is for condensing the information on the page into manageable ideas . Read the notes, then paraphrase or summarize the information in 3-5 sentences . Use your own words, because personalizing information improves your memory of it. PRODUCT PREVIEW Using Cornell notes in a notetaking app. Many students use a notetaking app, like Notability to take notes. As yet, Notability does not have a Cornell note template, but it is easy to create one by using the Notability drawing tools . 1. Select a standard binder paper design for your default paper. 2. Use the pencil to draw a traditional Cornell Note grid on the binder paper (See page 140). 3. Add and label a box for "to do" notes.
4. Label the boxes "topic", "notes", "cue", and "summary". 5. Color code the titles if color formatting works best for you.
6. It can be unwieldy to take notes with a finger or stylus, so it helps to insert a text box in the main notetaking section (or any other sections if you prefer typing.) Just hold your finger down on the section of the screen where you want the text box to go and then tap "+text box". You can also add images and links to other content.
THE 21st CENTURY STUDENT’S GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS 139
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