General Notetaking Procedures
Be a STAR
The Cornell Notetaking Strategy
S = Set up the format.
 Put name, class, date in upper right-hand corner.
 All notes need a title.
 Draw a line down the length of the paper about onethird of the way in (about 3 inches).
T = Take text or lecture notes.
 Paraphrase the text or lecture in the right-hand column.
 Decide important information.
 Use whatever it takes to cue your memory system. You
may, for example, use capital printing, underlining,
arrows, or even pictures.
 Don’t worry about spelling. If you know what you
meant, that is what counts. Later you can check a
reference for proper spelling.
 Use abbreviations that work for you. Develop your
own shorthand.
A = After class, revise your notes.
 As soon as possible, edit your notes. Reread and look
for places to make additions, deletions, or clarifications.
 Work with a partner whenever possible.
 Use a highlighter or underlining to emphasize important
points.
 Note any points that need to be clarified in class.
 Now fill in the left-hand column with questions,
symbols and pictures, and memory keys.
R = Review and study your notes.
 Review notes regularly—after class, at least weekly,
and before a test.
 Cover the right column with blank paper. Either
rewrite the right column or review aloud.
 Paraphrase answers.
 Reflect. Summarize the notes. Relate the subject to
yourself and your personal experience.
Additional Tips for Taking & Making
Notes…
Date and label notes at the top of the page.
Draw a margin and keep all running lecture notes to one side.
Use other side for organization, summarizing, and labeling.
Indent to show importance of ideas.
Skip lines to indicate change of ideas.
Leave space for elaboration and clarification.
Use number, letters, and marks to indicate details.
Be selective.
Abbreviate when possible.
Paraphrase.
Use underlining, circling, and different colors of ink to show
importance.
Cover one side of notes to study.