Cornell Notetaking Format

Column 1 Comment Section (2.5 inches wide) Questions and Answers Ideas Notes to tie concepts together Rules Comments	Column 2 Capture Section (6 inches wide) Write down all information: Statements Proof Information Examples
Index (1 - 1.5 inches high) New terms Topics covered on page People to contact

Transcription Method: Most math and engineering textbooks are not easy to follow on their own so you need something additional to study. Preparing proper notes can provide the proper study materials. Take rough notes in class by copying everything down on 8x11 paper with two lines (drawn either freehand or with a straight edge ahead of time) following the Cornell format as best you can (see above). Do not neglect to write down anything because it may be important later (even though not obvious at the time). Then later, outside of class, "transcribe" (recopy) notes using the two-column system. Transcribing is where you learn because it forces you to think things through for yourself-not just follow the instructors thinking.

The two-column system - The two columns are mentioned below. Subsequent notes explain the logic and use of the system. On the last page is a sample page of notes using this system.

Column 1 - This space is where you write in "cautions, observations, verbal clues from the instructor, typical errors and mistakes, or do's and don'ts resulting from homework, quizzes, and tests". This column is also where you summarize rules or patterns that govern the process. This information is usually added later after you have identified all the steps. Also write rules on index cards for review purposes and to study for tests. The index cards can be carried with you in the car or anywhere and looked at for memorization. This "spaced repetition" helps you to internalize the rules.


Column 2 - Record everything written on the board and whatever you can that is said to explain the material. Include exercises and examples in this column line-by-line. Whenever possible add references to the textbook such as page and section numbers. Always write the sequential page number and date that the notes were taken in the upper right hand side. You will be amazed at how often this information is useful.


Index - On the right side of the index area list the topics covered on the page. On the left list any new "terms" or "vocabulary" introduced. Also write any notes to yourself about who you should see or what you should do about anything on the page.

Index or Table of Contents Page - Create an Index or Table of Contents by transferring the index headings and page number it is on to a page at the beginning of your notes. This "Table of Contents" for your notes is invaluable when studying and taking open-note exams.

While transcribing you will find gaps in logic or things you do not understand. Missing steps of proofs, errors or incorrect statements, and undefined terms are just a few examples of questions you will find only by using the transcription method. Identify these questions in your notes so you can ask the instructor later. This is done by using Post-it notes. Place the post-it with the question written on it so it sticks out of the page. See your instructor during their office hours and resolve your questions by going through the post-it notes. You will find most instructors will be very happy to help if you use this method.

In math there are two parts to learning:

"Can do" - What you can do is given by the instructor.


"Can't do" - You add this later in column 1. These are all the cautions and places where mistakes can be made. After you see the homework solutions and get back graded quizzes and exams, analyze the mistakes you made and add cautions to your notes in column 1. This makes studying for later tests (especially final exams) much more meaningful.

Color coding - Use color coding of notes to help you study and use your notes efficiently. A suggested use of colored highlighters is:

Pink - Headings
Green - Rules
Yellow - Cautions, things to memorize
Orange - New words or items
Purple (blue) - Examples
Optional Blue (purple) - Old rules and things you should know

Non-Transcription Method - The non-transcription method is the same as the transcription method except that the you do not rewrite the notes. Use the two-column ruled paper and write your original notes as neatly as possible. Then color code and fix up these notes as outlined above. This system works best if you have an instructor that does not go to fast. A speedy instructor forces you to get sloppy sometimes.
http://web.archive.org/web/20070406224929/www.csupomona.edu/~rosenkrantz/skills2.htm