How to Use the Cornell Note-Taking Method

Taking notes during a lengthy meeting or an intense lecture can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to be mindful of. Sometimes, in the chaos, important ideas may slip away before you get a chance to write them.

With the right note-taking method, you can organize your thoughts and actually remember what you write. One popular strategy is the Cornell Notes system, a structured method developed in the 1950s by Walter Pauk.

Popularized by Walter Pauk, an education professor at Cornell University in the 1950s, this method breaks your notes into clear sections: key ideas, supporting details, and quick summaries.

The biggest advantage of using the Cornell note-taking method is that it is easy to use with templates and digital resources.

In this guide, you’ll discover how the Cornell note-taking method works and how to adapt it to complement your unique note-taking style.

What Is the Cornell Note-Taking Method?

The Cornell method is a smart and systematic way to take notes. You can capture, organize, and summarize critical meeting notes. This method helps you take better notes, enhancing comprehension and retention of material from readings and classes.

What makes this note-taking method effective is its ability to engage your brain in multiple ways. This makes it easier to retain what you’ve written. It is useful while:

• Reading textbooks
• Leveraging online resources
• Studying in class

Originally designed for students, this method works for anyone who needs to take and recall important notes in any setting.

The Structure of Cornell Notes: How to Get Started

The Cornell system is a straightforward way to organize your notes and make sure they stick.

Follow these simple steps to get started:

1.  Set Up Your Page

Divide your notebook or note-taking app into three sections:

On the right, you’ll have the main Notes section for capturing ideas. On the left, create a smaller side column for key points and prompts, which is categorized as Cues. Leave space at the bottom to wrap it all up with a Summary.

Pro tip: The basic idea is that you get a place to write down facts and questions as well as a summary of all that you’ve learned. 

2. Fill In Each Section

Use the main section to capture details during a project planning session. For example, you might write down key deliverables, timelines, or dependencies for launching a new product.

In the left column, add cues to help you review later. These could be questions like “What’s the testing deadline?” or a key word like “resources needed” or “risk mitigation.”

At the bottom, write a quick summary of the discussion. For example, “Finalize resource allocation by Friday and confirm testing schedule next week.”

3. Make Your Notes Work for You

This layout makes it easy to follow up on key tasks. The left column helps you quickly locate important points, while the summary gives you a high-level view. It’s also great for sharing project updates with stakeholders and team members who couldn’t attend.

What Are the Benefits of the Cornell Note-Taking Method?

The Cornell Note-Taking setup has various benefits:

• Clear summaries: It helps you focus on the big picture by turning your notes into quick, easy-to-read summaries.
• Actionable notes: You can highlight tasks and key takeaways to stay on track.
• Organized layout: The structured format makes it easy to find what you need at a glance.
• Better notes: This method helps you take better notes, enhancing comprehension and retention of material from readings and classes.

Whether you’re in a workshop, a meeting, or a lecture, this method keeps your notes clear, actionable, and easy to revisit.

Moreover, this format enables your brain to work in multiple ways, and by extension:

• Increased active engagement and deeper understanding: The Cornell method helps you actively process information by focusing on key ideas, which makes it easier to understand and remember the material
• Efficient review with keywords and summaries: The cue column and summary section allow you to quickly review important points and refresh your memory in less time
• Identification of knowledge gaps: Writing questions in the cue column helps you spot areas where you need more clarity or further study
• Improved organization and retention: The clear layout of the Cornell method makes it easier to organize your notes and remember the most important concepts
• Better exam and presentation preparation: With its structured format, the Cornell method helps you review key points quickly and efficiently, preparing you well for exams or presentations

How to Use the Cornell Note-Taking Method Accurately?

The Cornell Notes system is more flexible than you’d think. Developed in the 1950s by Walter Pauk and introduced in his book ‘How to Study in College,’ this structured note-taking method can be matched to your professional needs. You can experiment with different aspects of the system to see what works for you:

1. Before Taking Notes

Set up your notebook or a Cornell template in your favorite digital app. You must know what you want to achieve. For example, do you want to:

• “Document team deliverables for the next sprint?”
• “Capture key decisions for the product launch timeline?”

Your end goal should be to set clear objectives for your note-taking session.

2. During Note-Taking

Focus on writing clear, concise points in the main notes section. You can use Nifty Orbit AI to create a note-taking template:

Leave space for questions as well as comments in the Cues section, situated in the left-hand column:

Traditionally, this column is used after you take your notes. You can scribble questions that will allow you to organize and remember the content. The idea is to identify which areas require more attention from your end.

Pro tip: You may find it useful to use the Notes and Cues sections simultaneously. This allows you to write down what you need to learn while you’re thinking analytically.

3. After Taking Notes

Write a brief summary to consolidate your understanding. You must review and refine your notes within 24 hours to add updates as well as highlight action items. For instance, you might revisit and flag tasks that need immediate attention:

• “Follow up with the QA team on testing tools availability.”
• “Confirm marketing’s input on product launch deliverables.”

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Reviewing and Summarizing Notes

Reviewing and summarizing notes is an essential step in the Cornell Note-Taking System. This process helps reinforce learning, identify key points, and retain information more effectively. To review and summarize your notes, start by covering the cue column and recalling the main ideas. Use the cue words to trigger your memory and recall the key points.

Summarize the main ideas in your own words, using concise sentences. This not only helps you understand the material better but also makes it easier to remember. Review your notes regularly, ideally within 24 hours of taking them, to reinforce your understanding and retention.

Use the summary section at the bottom of the page to review and reflect on the material. This section allows you to consolidate your understanding and identify any areas that need further clarification. By regularly reviewing and summarizing your notes, you can ensure that you retain the most important information and stay on top of your studies or projects.

Organizing and Refining Your Notes

Organizing and refining your notes is crucial for effective note-taking. The Cornell Note-Taking System provides a structured format that helps you categorize and prioritize your notes. Start by reviewing your notes and identifying key points, main ideas, and supporting details.

Use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize your notes. This makes it easier to find and review important information later. Refine your notes by clarifying any unclear points, filling in gaps, and eliminating unnecessary information. This ensures that your notes are clear, concise, and focused on the most important details.

Use the cue column to create an index of key terms and concepts. This helps you quickly locate important information when reviewing your notes. Additionally, use different colors, symbols, or highlighting to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details. This visual differentiation makes it easier to review and understand your notes at a glance.

Adapting the Cornell Method for Different Subjects

The Cornell Note-Taking System can be adapted for different subjects and learning styles. For lectures with a lot of visual content, use the charting method to organize your notes. This method allows you to create visual representations of the material, making it easier to understand and remember.

For lectures with a lot of technical information, use the outlining method to break down complex concepts. This method helps you organize information hierarchically, making it easier to see the relationships between different concepts. For lectures with a lot of discussion, use the mapping method to track conversations and relationships. This method helps you visualize the flow of ideas and understand how different points are connected.

For lectures with a lot of reading assignments, use the sentence method to summarize key points. This method allows you to capture the main ideas in concise sentences, making it easier to review and remember the material. Experiment with different note-taking methods to find what works best for you and your subject. Use the Cornell Note-Taking System as a foundation and adapt it to suit your needs.

Overcoming Common Challenges in Note Taking

Common challenges in note-taking include difficulty in organizing notes, retaining information, and reviewing material. To overcome these challenges, use the Cornell Note-Taking System to create a systematic format for note-taking. This structured approach helps you organize your notes and make them more actionable.

Use the cue column to create a visual index of key terms and concepts. This helps you quickly locate important information when reviewing your notes. Use concise sentences and key words to summarize main ideas. This makes it easier to capture and review the most important information.

Review your notes regularly and use the summary section to reflect on the material. This helps reinforce your understanding and retention. Practice active listening and engagement during lectures to improve retention and understanding. This ensures that you capture the most important information and stay focused during the lecture.

Use technology, such as note-taking apps, to supplement your handwritten notes and improve organization. These tools can help you organize your notes, set reminders, and collaborate with others. By addressing these common challenges, you can improve your note-taking skills and make your notes more effective.

4 Tips to Master the Cornell Note-Taking Method

The trick with the Cornell system is to understand what to put in your notes. Make sure you capture the gist of what’s being said and all the important details:

• Use Abbreviations and Symbols for Faster Note-Taking: For example, use “w/” for “with,” “#” for “number,” and arrows to show relationships and flow. This will help you to keep up with the pace of the session.
• Regularly Revisit Your Notes to Reinforce Learning: Don’t let your notes sit untouched. Set aside time to go over them within 24 hours. This helps reinforce your understanding and fill in gaps you may have missed while taking notes. It also boosts long-term retention.
• Pair the Method with Active Recall Strategies for Better Memory Retention: When reviewing your notes, actively test yourself. Cover the main section and quiz yourself on the cues in the left column. This method of active recall strengthens memory retention. This way, you can easily recall key points when needed.
• Use Templates and Apps to Simplify the Process for Digital Note-Takers: Tools like Nifty, Notion, Evernote, or even Google Docs can help you set up Cornell-style notes quickly. Some apps even allow you to add tasks and reminders directly from your notes. Naturally, this makes the process more organized and actionable!

Best Tools and Templates for Cornell Note-Taking

Here are some top tools and templates that can help you implement the Cornell Note-Taking method efficiently:

3 Digital Tools Worth Considering:

Here are some of the most popular apps and software that support the Cornell Method:

1. Nifty Docs

Nifty Docs is an excellent tool for project management and documentation, and it pairs perfectly with the Cornell Note-Taking Method.

It’s a great choice for project managers looking to capture key details from meetings, track project tasks, and keep the team aligned on deliverables. Here’s how you can use it effectively for project kickoff meetings:

Create a new document in Nifty and divide it into three sections:

• Main Notes (right side): Use this to capture the key points discussed during the meeting. Focus on important project details such as goals, milestones, roles, and timelines.
• Cues (left side): Write down action items, follow-up questions, or areas that need further clarification. This could be things like “Who is the point person for design approval?” or “What’s the deadline for the product prototype?”
• Summary (bottom): Summarize key decisions and next steps from the meeting, ensuring you leave with a clear plan of action.

Set a clear objective for the meeting—let’s say you’re kicking off a new product development project. Your goal might be: “Define project milestones, assign roles, and clarify deliverables:”

In the Cues (left side) section, add follow-up items and questions to address later:

As the meeting unfolds, use the Main Notes section for capturing details like:

This layout allows you to stay focused and organized, ensuring you capture important details while also flagging areas for follow-up.

Once the meeting concludes, use the Summary section to highlight the main takeaways and next steps:

Pro tip: Once complete, you can share the Nifty Doc with your team. Use Nifty’s collaborative features like built-chat and comments to assign tasks directly from your notes or link relevant discussions to timelines and milestones. This way, you’ll be able to convert your meeting notes directly into actionable items in just a few clicks.

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2. Google Docs

The Google Docs Cornell Notes Template keeps you organized and efficient. Easily make a copy or download to begin. It’s designed for both students and professionals and allows for real-time editing and sharing, making it ideal for team collaboration.

The layout breaks down the notes into four categories:

• Record: Capture key facts and ideas in short, direct sentences. Focus on the essentials.
• Recite: Answer questions based on the key word or cues you’ve noted in the left column.
• Reflect: Dig deeper into the significance of the information you’ve recorded.
• Review: This section gives you a quick summary of everything at a glance.

Pro Tip*: Use telegraphic sentences—short and direct phrases that cut down on unnecessary words, helping you take notes faster.*

3. Microsoft Word

The Microsoft Word Cornell Notes Template from Template.net is a minimalist tool for organizing notes. This clean, easy-to-use template is great for students and professionals.

It’s customizable and covers all essential parts of the Cornell method. You can download it as a Word document, make edits, and easily share it via your usual file-sharing tools like SharePoint. This makes collaboration easier, as everyone can review, comment on, and follow up on assigned tasks directly from the document.

Printable Templates – For Traditional Note-Takers

If you prefer a more traditional, hands-on approach, printable Cornell Note-Taking templates are a great way to streamline meeting follow-ups, task tracking, and milestone reviews. These pre-designed templates allow you to stay organized and capture essential details.

Where to Get Printable Templates?

• Vertex42: It offers a free, downloadable Cornell Notes template in PDF format. It is perfect for jotting down key updates during meetings and project planning.
• Template.net: It provides customizable, printable templates that help project managers organize tasks and action items.

How to Use Them in Project Management:

• Record Key Details: Use the Record section to capture high-level project details such as deliverables, updates, and key decisions. You can also document risks, blockers, and team progress.
• Flag Action Items: In the Cues section, jot down specific tasks assigned to team members, follow-up questions, and areas requiring further attention in the next meeting.
• Summarize and Clarify: The Summary section helps you quickly capture the essence of the meeting. It ensures clarity on next steps. 

Why Use Printable Templates?

• Structured for Action: These templates encourage you to capture the most important aspects of each meeting in a clear, actionable format.
• Simplify Follow-Ups: With your action items and decisions outlined, follow-up is easy and nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
• Improved Accountability: Assignments are clearly marked, helping the team stay on task.

Get the Most Out of Cornell Note-Taking for Project Management

Contrary to popular opinion, the Cornell Note-Taking Method isn’t just for students. Project managers, too, can extract maximum value by capturing key project details, ensuring smooth follow-ups, and boosting team collaboration.

Whether you’re using Nifty Docs or printable templates, this method helps you:

• Track important action items and decisions as they happen
• Streamline collaboration with shared templates and documents
• Improve retention of critical project information, making follow-up as well as future planning more productive

So, what are you waiting for? Apply the Cornell method to your project management meetings, customize it to suit your needs, and watch your workflow become more organized and productive.