Note Taking

Here’s a short guide on Cornell-style Note-Taking & Note-Making. We will use this in Digital Technologies.

Cornell-style notes are divided into two columns:

• NT (Note Taking): The left column, where you capture key terms, concepts, and main points as tokens (short notes, phrases, or keywords).
• NM (Note Making): The right column, where you expand on your notes with explanations, examples, and connections.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Setting up your page
   • Divide your page into two columns:
   • The left column (NT) should be about 1/3 of the page.
   • The right column (NM) should be about 2/3 of the page.
2. Taking notes (NT column)
   • Write down tokens – short, precise keywords, phrases, or concepts.
   • Use symbols, abbreviations, and bullet points to keep it concise.
   • Capture only the essence of what’s being said.
3. Making Notes (NM column)
   • Expand on the tokens by adding explanations, connections, and reflections.
   • Answer why? how? what does this mean?
   • Include examples, personal insights, or related concepts.
   • Reword information in your own words to reinforce understanding.
4. Reviewing & Revising
   • Go through your notes after class or study sessions.
   • Fill in gaps, clarify difficult parts, and refine connections.
   • Highlight key ideas to make them stand out.

Example Cornell Notes

Science

Digital media