1. CORNELL NOTES
I. Before Class
A. Think about these things before each class:
1. Reading for today (What pictures, diagrams, definitions, concepts from
the text might be included in class?)
2. Notes from the last lecture (Did the professor give hints about today?)
3. Course analysis (How do course themes as described in the syllabus and
opening lecture relate to the title of today’s lecture?)
B. Write the following items at the top of the day’s note page:
1. Date, lecture title, reading that relates to the topic
2. One way you think the lecture may connect to a major course theme
3. Two or more questions you want answered (and think might be)
4. Several words or phrases that you think might be used in this lecture
5. Pictures, diagrams or examples that one anticipates
6. A way this lecture’s main topic might relate to your life
II. During Class
A. Indent
B. Abbreviate
C. Use symbols
D. Listen carefully and put main ideas in your own words
E. Leave space (near margins and between notes)
F. Ask for clarification when confused
III. After Class (SOON after)
A. Summarize
1. Write three or four sentences (in your own words) which state the main
ideas of the day.
2. Devise your own title for today’s lecture.
B. Clarify
1. Fill in blanks by asking other students what they put in that space.
2. Write out abbreviations—they may not make sense in a few days.
3. Carefully mark any notes that suggest you should ask the instructor for
more information.
4. Look up words and phrases that you did not understand.
C. Organize
1. Use bullets, dashes, asterisks, stars to note main ideas and subtopics.
2. Write in the margin any course themes that relate to specific chunks of
notes.
D. Prepare questions
1. Invent several questions (especially essay questions) that your notes
answer.
2. Make sure these are in a location where you’ll find them easily.
E. Evaluate
1. What “gaps” are left in your understanding of the lecture and how can
you fill these?
2. How well is this note-taking system working? What could be improved?

2. (extra wide margin) Class Title Date
Pre-Class Questions:
1.
2.
(questions)
3.
Notes . . .
* CORNELL METHOD *
Summary . . .