Keeping all your notes organised and functional can be a challenge, especially if you haven’t found a note-taking system that works for you. There are many note-taking tools and systems that can help you stay organised as a student and increase your efficiency. One of our favourites is the Cornell note-taking method.
The Cornell method is an excellent note-taking technique that promotes active recall and helps to connect concepts through structured notation. It involves dividing a single page into three sections: a cue/questions column, a note-taking column, and a summary section.
This is best for taking notes on readings, study materials, coaching sessions, and videos as you go. Here is a simple structure to make the most of this method as you study.
Tip: Typically, the cue section is a smaller column on the left, the note-taking column is the largest section on the right side of the page, and the summary is placed at the bottom. However, you can structure your page to suit you, as long as each section has its place.
This technique was originally designed for paper and pen. Using anything from a single sheet of printer paper to a dedicated notebook, the Cornell method can easily fit into your current study structure. If you prefer a purely digital solution, you can also use free note-taking software like the following:
To take the hassle out of structuring your notes, you can download our template. You can print this off and handwrite your notes or keep it digital and save paper.
My Cornell notes template Our Cornell notes template can be a great way of keeping track of your study notes. Whether you prefer to keep it digital and use a PDF reader application to fill in your notes or decide to print it off and stick it in your notebook, having a reliable system to take notes on each unit is greatly beneficial.
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