Posted: April 2nd, 2015

Cornel System

Cornell note taking system

The Cornell note taking system is a model of taking notes that was developed at the Cornell University by Walter Pauk. Pauk was an education professor at the university. This model of taking notes was developed in the year 1954 and was meant to aid students in the University by simplifying the manner in which they could study. Pauk published this model of studying in his famous book which was titled “How to Study in College”. The cornel note taking model of study seeks to ease studying by setting specifications in the manner in which students take notes while studying (Practical Study Methods” 27).

How the Cornell note taking system works

This model of learning gives a systematized way in which students can summarize and organize notes. An explanation is given oh how the paper used in note taking by students ought to be structured in order to get maximum utility out of study sessions of time. This is a major distinguishing factor between this model of study and other models. The study or note taking paper, according to the model is structured as below.

Source: “The Cornell System for Note-Taking”, pp1.

The three parts labeled in the diagram above are critical while studying. The note-taking area is used in recording lectures. This has to be done using telegraphic sentences. After a class or learning sessions, students should formulate questions basing on the notes recorded in the note-taking column. Questions are important as they aid in making clarification to students concerning meaning and relations of meanings in the notes. Questions also aid in broadening and strengthening memory of students. During the study for exams, these questions simplify revision work. The cue column is critical in recitation of the notes. During recitation, students are required to fully cover the note-taking area. By looks at the questions in the question column, students are required to recite the answers to the questions. This has to be said loudly according to the understanding of the student. This leads to the reflection of the learning material which is another important step in learning. This is achieved through a relook at the facts that are raised through the answers to the questions which are found in the study text (Practical Study Methods” 27).

Questions asked during reflection include the relevance of the facts in the notes, principles informing the facts, the applicability of the facts and their relationship with what the learner already knows. Of great relevance in reflection is the question of what goes beyond the facts as they are brought out during learning. Students are also required to keep reviewing previous notes. This has to be done for at least ten minutes each week. This keeps the facts in the note fresh in the mind of students. The summary section is used at the end of learning session. Notes on each given page are summed in this section (Practical Study Methods” 27).

This model of learning has been found to be very effective in different learning sessions. It is best suited in learning session that deal with broad theoretical concepts with lost of notes and information. Thus it best suits my economics classes.

The system is very effective because it focuses on all the critical steps in learning like recording, recitation, reflection and reviewing. However, the system is very comprehensive and can hardly be followed to the latter by students. It is quite tiring for anybody who chooses to follow it fully.