THE CORNELL NOTE
TAKING SYSTEM
Step #1: Prepare
Recall Column
Record Column
--2 Inches--
--6 Inches--
Put ideas down
(after lecture) into
words/visuals.
Record the lecture/text as fully
as possible.
Analysis Column
Create meaning from the main
points from the discussion.
Step #2: Record
• Write the material in the Record Column.
Notetaking Tips
 Keep a separate section of your notebook or binder for
each course.
 Notes for each lecture/reading should begin on a new
page.
 Date your lecture/reading notes and number all pages.
 Never use a sentence when you can use a phrase, or a
phrase when you can use a word.
Notetaking Tips, Continued
 Use indentations to distinguish between major and minor
points.
 Summarize notes in your own words, with the exception
of formulas, definitions, and specific facts.
 Use abbreviations and symbols wherever possible.
 Make sure you can understand what you have written and
make corrections, if needed.
 If you should miss something completely, leave a blank
space and get it later.
Step #3: Recall
• As soon after class/the reading as possible,
summarize these facts and ideas in words
and drawings in the Recall Column.
– Helps show relationships and patterns.
– Prepares you for tests gradually.
Step #4: Analysis
• Write down generalizations, inferences, and
conclusions based on the content found in the
Record Column in the Analysis Column.
– Prepares you for higher level thinking questions which
may be found on the test.
Step #5: Recite
• Cover up the Record Column.
• Using only the words/pictures in the Recall Column,
explain the contents of the Record Column in sufficient
detail and in your own words.
• Then uncover the Record Column and check against what
you stated.
Step #6: Reflect
• Make sense of your notes by finding relationships and
order in the material.
• Try to put ideas in categories and link old material
to new content.
Step #7: Review
• If you will spend fifteen minutes every day to look over
your notes, you will retain most of what you have learned
and you will relate the facts/ideas to present lectures or
readings.
The End!