The Importance of Taking Notes

The Cornell notetaking system was created by Walter Pauk in the 1950's, and many students swear by it!  I used this system in many of my classes while studying at the University of Memphis.

I recommend my students try out different ways of organizing written information-- everyone processes information differently and it's important to find a system that works for you (especially if it's been a few years since you've studied).  I find this system extremely useful because it organizes your notes in class with space to review and summarize them at a later time.

You can draw the Cornell system on any paper, but here is a link to see or print a great explanation.

This diagram is a bit more blog-friendly, but the information is essentially the same.  The Notes section is for taking notes during class.  The Cues and Summary sections are for completion during your own independent review.

Many students I know don't take notes in class, but it is important to know that my most successful students do.  It has very little to do with reading a page of notes (I could prepare that for you, if that were the key to learning).  The reason notetaking is so important for a learner is because writing it causes more neural connections to form in relation to a certain topic.  So if you hear and see something (which I will make happen), that's great.  But if you write and then read it, you're doubling your chances of remembering that important information.

So, take notes in class.  Take notes when you're listening to the TOEFL practice classes.  Take notes in Spanish in your own classes or meetings that you may be involved in.  The Cornell method is a great English tool, but there are tons of other ways it can be used.  I encourage you to try it!