# How to Study More Effectively With Cornell Notes

### What are Cornell Notes?

The [Cornell note-taking](https://productive.fish/blog/cornell-notes/) is a technique that helps to organize notes in a way that makes it easy to review and retain information. It involves splitting a paper into three sections: one for main ideas, one for taking notes, and one for summarizing and reviewing what was learned. This technique is a great way to improve your memory and comprehension of a material.

<figure><img src="https://4146710251-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fez8qSbLXdPDKtAv8a3jT%2Fuploads%2FhymO7VzeVUyTl2ZVjtoq%2Fcornell-notes.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=cea73c5f-f22b-42ec-bbe0-b5e0c9ce9430" alt="cornell note taking"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Advantages of Cornell Notes

The main pros of using the [Cornell note-taking system](https://productive.fish/blog/cornell-notes/) include:

* Improved organization and structure: The Cornell template provides a clear and organized format for taking notes, making it easy to review and study the material later on.
* Enhanced retention and comprehension: The act of summarizing and reviewing information as you take notes helps to improve understanding and retention of the material.
* Better focus during lectures or readings: The Cornell system encourages active listening and engagement with the material, helping to maintain focus and concentration.
* Greater flexibility: The Cornell system can be adapted to different subjects, learning styles, and personal preferences.
* Encourages critical thinking: The Cornell system encourages you to ask question and make connections between the material and what you already know, which helps to develop critical thinking skills.

### How to Take Cornell Notes?

1. Divide a sheet of paper into three sections: a large note-taking section on the right-hand side, a smaller cue column on the left-hand side and a summary section at the bottom of the page.
2. As you listen to a lecture or read a passage, identify the main ideas and write them in the cue column.
3. In the note-taking section, write detailed notes on the main ideas, using abbreviations and symbols to save space.
4. After the lecture or reading, review your notes and summarize the main ideas in the summary section at the bottom of the page.
5. Review and practice active recall of the notes regularly to improve retention and comprehension of the material.
