The

Cornell
Method

Notetaking
Methods
The 5 Rs
RECORD
REDUCE
RECITE
REFLECT
REVIEW
Cornell Method
RECORD
Before the class:
Remember to enlarge the left margin to about two inches.
Record date and topic for the lecture.

RECORD
During the class:
Write only to the right of the margin; the left margin should
remain blank.
Leave spaces between topics.
Cornell Method Continued
REDUCE
Do this as soon as possible, no more than 24 hrs after
class.
Write or illustrate everything you might remember from
class that would help you remember the lecture in the
spaces you left between the topics.
Find the meaning of any term you have not defined or any
part that is incomplete.
Reduce your notes to key words which you write in the left
margin. Ask yourself "What word or words would I expect to
see on a test which would cue me to these notes?"
Cornell Method Continued
RECITE
With a piece of paper, cover your notes so that all you can
see are the key words.
Recite your notes with the key words as your only cue.
Refer to your notes whenever you need to refresh your
memory.
Cornell Method Continued
REFLECT
Mentally review the outline or main points in your
notes.
Relate your notes to things you already know
Write down reflections in the remaining spaces.
Cornell Method Continued
Review
Follow the same procedures as "Recite" by covering
notes so that only key words are exposed.
Recite:
1. What you wrote in class (Record).
2. What you wrote after class (Reduce).
3. What you took from your past knowledge and
experience (Reflect).