How to take effective notes with the Cornell method
Developed at Cornell University by Professor Walter Pauk, the Cornell note-taking system is one of the most thoroughly researched and effective study methods for secondary and university students. It organizes note-taking, active recall, and concise review on a single sheet.
The page is split into three sections: a wide right-hand column for taking structured notes during class; a narrower 6 cm left-hand cue column for key terms and test questions added immediately after class; and a bottom summary box for a two-sentence takeaway.
To revise for exams, simply cover the main right-hand notes with a sheet of paper, look at the cue questions on the left, and test yourself aloud. This active recall practice dramatically strengthens long-term memory retrieval.
Print Cornell notes template →