SPECIFIC STRATEGIES
PRESENTED BY THE ELMHURST COLLEGE LEARNING CENTER
One of the best note taking systems is called the Cornell System. What follows is a modified Cornell Note Taking System.
Step One - Record
For Step One you divide your paper with a vertical line which is drawn about two and a half inches from the left edge of your notebook paper. Some students merely use the red line dividing the paper. This section is known as the recall column.
Then be an active listener(see Suggestions for Active Listening), recording the information in the larger, right-hand column. Use your own system of symbols and abbreviations. Think of the organizational format of the lecture and use the form which corresponds.
Examples of Organizational Formats
simple listing (1, 2, 3, OR first, second, third)
time sequence or order of steps (list of dates or sequential steps in a procedure)
compare and contrast (side by side format may work here)
cause and effect (use of arrows helps)
STEP TWO - REDUCE
This step is sometimes difficult because of the time factor. You need to complete this step within 24 hours. Why? The problem is human memory. You will forget about 80% of the information after 24 hours.
In Step Two, you need to summarize the information for each page of notes or each topic section. Write your summary at the bottom of the page.
You also need to begin developing questions in the recall column. If there were three causes of Topic Z, your question might be "What caused Topic Z?" If you noted how Artwork A may be similar to Artwork B, your question is "List three ways in which A is like B" OR "How do A and B compare in terms of theme or use of materials?"
STEP THREE
Step Three is called Recite. The questions you have developed become your source for reciting and for later reviewing as test preparation. Try to respond in your own words. The secret to success, of course, is consistent reviewing. You will find that spaced study of your notes will result in a stronger memory for the material. You will even find that cramming is an exercise in your past!
CHECK THE FOLLOWING SITES FOR SAMPLE CORNELL NOTES.
www.unomaha.edu/~wwwlc/cornellsystem.html
www.uvc.ohio-state.edu/uvc/lsei/Notetak3.htm#cornell
Another format of note taking is the outline method. You may remember formal outlines from your earlier years of schooling. These outlines often looked like this one.
I.XXXXXXXXX
A.xxxxxxx
B.xxxxxxx
II.XXXXXXXX
A.xxxxxxx
1.xxxxx
2.xxxxx
B.xxxxxxx
Outlining is often an effective format, particularly if you have a professor who presents an outline to the class prior to the lecture. If you use the professor's outline as a guide, you will probably get all the main concepts from the lecture.
BUT do not get bogged down with the formal format. You need flexibility; use an informal plan. You should not worry about using a capital A as opposed to one in lower case. You may choose to eliminate the Roman numerals and go with a simple 1/2/3 or a/b/c. Remember that notes must be meaningful to you.
As with the Cornell Method, you should review your notes within 24 hours. Also, begin developing questions based on the notes. The practice of spaced study will make test time almost a fun experience. Okay! A relaxed experience!?!?!
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