Focused Note-Taking

The CORNELL WAY

Why does focused note-taking increase achievement?

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Focused Note-Taking: Cornell Notes

• How to use this Program

• 10 Steps of the CORNELL WAY

Step 1: Create Format (Note-taking)

Create Cornell notes format and complete heading.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: How will teachers and students use the Essential Question throughout the note-taking process: in the notes, questions, inquiry, and summary?

Step 2: Organize Notes (Note-taking)

Organize the notes on the right side.

Frame & Debrief Question: As a note-taker what did you focus on as the speaker instructed you on the rational for note-taking? What should students focus on as the teacher instructs the class?

Step 3: Review & Revise (Note-making)

Review and revise notes.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: How does the AVID elective teacher support the use and revision of Cornell notes taken in content classes during the elective class?

Step 4: Note Key Ideas (Note-making)

Note key ideas to create questions.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: What process does Caleb go through to create questions from the notes he took in his Biology class?

Step 5: Exchange Ideas (Note-making)

Exchange ideas by collaborating.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: What are some ways to provide/ use feedback to improve the quality of Cornell notes? How can students collaborate to review notes taken in class and help one another fill in gaps and fill in points of confusion?

Step 6: Link Learning (Note-interacting)

Link learning to create a synthesized summary.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: What strategy does Caleb use to create a summary?

Step 7: Learning Tool (Note-interacting)

Use completed Cornell notes as a learning tool.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: How does Caleb use the Cornell notes taken in his biology lab book as a learning tool?

Step 8: Written Feedback (Note-reflecting)

Provide written feedback.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: What are some ways to provide/ use feedback to improve the quality of Cornell notes?

Step 9: Address Feedback

Address written feedback. (Note-reflecting)

Video Frame & Debrief Question: After reviewing feedback on his Cornell notes from his teachers and peers, what goals does Caleb set for himself for future note-taking?

Step 10: Your Reflection (Note-reflecting)

Reflect on your learning.

Video Frame & Debrief Question: How and when will time be provided for students to review content notes and identify key learnings from summaries, in order to connect to experiences beyond the classroom?