The Cornell method is an effective way of taking notes, remembering, and learning. Research shows that the Cornell method encourages students to write notes in their own words. We have what is called a sensory memory, where sensory information only lingers briefly. When no attention is given to the information in this memory, it never reaches the long-term memory. It is therefore important to use a method in which you can quickly and organizedly take notes. The Cornell method leads to systematic notes that are organized and therefore easy to review. This results in better understanding and an effective way of storing information in memory. Read below to see how it works. Divide the page on which you are going to write (you remember better than typing) into 3 parts: a narrow vertical column on the left, a wide vertical column on the right, and a horizontal section at the bottom of the page (see image below): • In the right column, your detailed notes will be written. • In the left column, the most important keywords will be written. • In the section at the bottom, a summary of a few sentences will be written. Summarize the page in a few sentences. Take notes in the right column during the lesson. Use short sentences, keywords, bullet points, arrows to connect things, and make it visual by using pictures and icons. Keep it simple and immediately summarize what is being said. Use a new page for each new topic to keep it organized. Write keywords in the left column at the end of the lesson – or afterwards. Think of names, places, dates, key words, etc. You can also turn these into questions to study later. Then write a short summary at the bottom of the page: what would you tell someone to make this topic clear? Now you can place a sheet over the right section and quiz yourself: explain terms or concepts from the left column and then check with what is on the right to see if it matches. You can help students practice the Cornell method by giving them a partially completed example that they need to fill in further. students can then easily learn these notes by covering the right column and trying to recall what they know from the left column.
Peters, J. (2020, 7 januari). De Cornell methode om aantekeningen te maken. Geraadpleegd van: https://www.planning-en-agenda.nl/de-cornell-methode-om-aantekeningen-te-maken/
Akintunde, O. O. (2013). Effects of Cornell, verbatim and outline note-taking strategies on students’ retrieval of lecture information in Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 4(25), 67-73.
Alzu’bi, M. A. (2019). The Influence of Suggested Cornell Note-taking Method on Improving Writing Composition Skills of Jordanian EFL Learners. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 10(4), 863-871.
Donohoo, J. (2010). Learning how to learn: Cornell notes as an example. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 54(3), 224-227.
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