SU/Cornell note-taking system

     I took lots of notes in classes, however, I usually didn’t reread them after classes. In class, I usually tried to write down the entire words professor said. I wrote hurriedly, so, even I couldn’t understand what I wrote when I reread the notes. Although I realized that I have a serious problem in note taking, I didn’t try to change my note taking habit. I don’t know how to take notes wisely and efficiently. I also thought that I can borrow notes from someone or use notes that professor made. However, I realized how important note taking is in Dr. Blumin’s lecture. There are many ways taking notes, such as, plug-in note, to do note, one plus three note, and SU/Cornell note. Taking notes efficiently requires effective decision-making. Knowing the kind of notes to take and how to use them is essential for taking effective and efficient notes. Note taking is an effective way to help me learn the information. I can study at the same time I am taking notes. It also helps me focus my attention during class. After I tried some ways of note taking, I choose SU/Cornell note taking. I think it was the most suitable method for me. This system forces me to do an ongoing review of my notes and it gives me a review tool for test preparation.

Format

SU/Cornell note taking

     Before class, I made a format. The format is divided into three parts, recall column, note taking part in class, and summary box. During class, I recorded as many as notes as possible in the large box on the right-hand side of the paper. It was not different as I did before. After class, I reread the notes I took. However, it had too much information. I couldn’t understand the information well. So, I reduced my notes in the left column, recall column, by writing keywords or terms that make me recall the information. I used this system in history of illustration class. I reorganized my notes with keywords and terms in the recall column. In the picture, I rewrote key words with red words. I think it is best to do right after class. Then, I summarized my notes by writing summaries in the summary box at the top. In the picture, I wrote summaries with green words. Actually, it was hard to summarize lots of information e in the small box. So, I used abbreviations and arrows to make notes brief. After summarize the notes, I reviewed the recall column and the summarize box again and again. It was so convenient and efficient. I could review my notes anytime. I didn’t need to read the entire notes, so I didn’t have a pressure when I review.

I made index cards and recored information for a quick review.

After I reread my notes several times, I wrote a key word in the recall column on one side of an index card and the additional information about the word on the other side of the card. I used the cards for a quick ongoing review while I was eating lunch and between classes. I used them right before exam. After I did a quick review with index cards, I could understand and memorize information more efficiently. I also recorded a short summary of the material on iPod. While I was cleaning room and eating dinner, I listened the recorded information. I not only used time efficiently but also memorize information well.  

      The reason why I used SU/Cornell note taking method is that it makes me review my notes a number of times after class. It changed my old note taking habits. I usually didn’t reread my notes after class. The notes I took had too much information, so it was hard to reread the notes. However, SU/Cornell note taking helped me learn the information more effectively. I think the recall column and summary box are very efficient tools for review. I reviewed my notes efficiently with these tools. Although I could understand all of the information that professor said during class, I would forget after class. So, note taking review is quite important for long term memorization. Therefore, SU/Cornell note taking system is so efficient way for review.