The Cornell method: note-taking with a system

In short: The Cornell method divides each page of notes into three areas: a wide column for notes, a narrow column for keywords and questions, and a strip at the bottom for a summary. This turns your notes straight into study material.

In more detail: The system was developed by Walter Pauk at Cornell University in the 1950s and became known through his book “How to Study in College”. Most of the benefit comes from working on the notes afterwards: writing questions, summarising and testing yourself.

In detail

• Divide the page: About two thirds on the right for notes, one third on the left for keywords, and a few lines at the bottom for the summary.
• During the lecture: Write only the most important points in your own words in the large column, using abbreviations and leaving space between sections.
• Shortly afterwards: On the same or the next day, fill in gaps and add key terms and questions for each section in the left-hand column.
• Summarise: Capture the core of the page in two to four sentences in the bottom section.
• Test yourself: Cover the right-hand column and answer the questions on the left from memory (testeffekt-und-abrufueben).
• Review regularly: The questions are well suited to going through the material again at intervals (vergessenskurve-und-wiederholen).
• Paper or digital: The method works with pen and pad as well as with note-taking apps that allow a three-section template.
• An honest assessment: A special layout alone will not make you cleverer; what matters is putting things in your own words and testing yourself afterwards.
• Alternatives: For connections and collecting ideas, mind maps may suit better (notizen-machen-und-mindmaps).