Study Smarter with the Cornell Note-Taking System

Study Smarter with the Cornell Note-Taking System

For students in massage therapy school, it’s important to have an efficient and organized way to take notes. Class lectures and demonstrations can convey a lot of information quickly, necessitating a streamlined method for writing down key details for later review. The Cornell note-taking system stands out as an effective note taking strategy. It’s tailored for both academic learning and self-study, including test preparation. This method simplifies the process of organizing complex information, aiding in better retention of information.

What is the Cornell note-taking system? The Cornell note-taking system is a structured approach to taking notes that is designed to help you systematically capture and organize information quickly. Developed at Cornell University by Walter Pauk, it divides the notes into three distinct sections on a page: the main notes, the cue column, and the summary area. This format is particularly effective for breaking down complex topics like those in massage therapy courses, into manageable & understandable segments.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how the Cornell method can transform your note taking process and review sessions. We’ll guide you through setting up your notes, and using them during class lectures or study sessions. By the end of this article, not only will you have a system to take better notes ensuring more organized study sessions, but you will have a template and some examples to guide you as you get started. Let’s look at how this method can optimize your learning experience.

Overview of the Cornell Note-Taking System

The Cornell system of note taking is a practical and organized method that is suitable for detailed subjects covered in massage therapy curriculum like anatomy & physiology, kinesiology, pathology, ethics and client assessment. This effective note taking method splits your notes page into three sections: the main notes area, the cue column, and the summary space. There is a standard layout as shown in the examples and template below, but you can customize your template to whatever works well for you. It’s flexible enough for various learning settings, whether attending a class, reading massage textbooks, using online resources, taking a MBLEx prep course, or when observing live hands-on demonstrations.

In the main notes section, you capture vital information during lectures or while studying. This area is your primary space for jotting down essential details, theories, and methods relevant to massage therapy. The cue column, placed to the left, is designated for keywords, questions, or main points. This part is essential for review, making it easier to remember crucial points or to test your knowledge of the material. The summary space at the bottom allows for a concise recap of your notes, reinforcing your understanding and serving as a quick reference.

Using the Cornell note-taking system can significantly boost how you collect, organize, and remember information in massage therapy. It encourages active interaction with the material, streamlines your note organization, and improves your ability to recall and apply what you’ve learned.

Curious about what’s on the MBLEx? Try a free 50-question practice test to find out.

Benefits of Using the Cornell Note Method

The Cornell note-taking system offers several benefits over just taking random notes during class, here are a few:

Enhanced Organization and Clarity: The Cornell system’s structured format organizes your notes in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. With information divided into main notes, cues, and summaries, you can easily locate key concepts and details. This is especially useful in massage therapy, where you may need to reference specific techniques, terminology, or concepts quickly.

Improved Focus and Efficiency: By encouraging you to jot down key points and questions in the cue column, the system ensures you focus on the most important aspects of the material. This approach can save time and increase efficiency, as it keeps you from getting bogged down in less relevant details.

Effective Revision and Memory Retention: The summary section at the bottom of each page serves as a quick recap of the main ideas. This not only reinforces your understanding but also aids in retaining the information long-term. Regularly reviewing the cue column questions and trying to recall the answers from the main notes section is an excellent way to prepare for exams or client consultations.

Adaptability to Different Learning Styles: The Cornell system is flexible and can be adapted to suit various learning preferences. Whether you learn best through writing, visual aids, or are prefer the kinesthetic learning style, this system can accommodate your style. For example, adding diagrams of muscles or body parts can enhance visual learning in massage therapy studies. You can also include elements of concept mapping.

Facilitates Active Learning: Unlike passive note-taking, the Cornell method involves active participation in the learning process. By writing cues and summaries, you’re not just recording information but processing and synthesizing it. This active engagement is crucial for understanding complex topics in massage therapy like kinesiology or learning muscles of the body.

The Cornell note taking system, with its structured yet flexible approach, offers a pragmatic and efficient way to gather and distill the extensive information in massage school curriculum. It promotes clearer understanding, better organization, and more effective learning and retention of knowledge.

Cornell Notes Examples and Template (PDF)

Cornell Note Structure

Cornell Note-Taking System Structure

Cornell Note Template

Cornell Note-Taking System Method Template

Cornell Note Example 1

Massage Client Assessment Notes

Cornell Note Example - Massage Client Assessment

Cornell Note Example 2

Trigger Point Therapy Notes

Cornell Note Example - Trigger Point Therapy

Step-by-Step Guide to Cornell Note Taking Method

Getting started with using the Cornell method of taking notes is pretty straightforward. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide to get you started quickly:

Step 1: Setting Up Your Page

  • Prepare Your Paper: Divide a sheet of paper into three sections. Draw a vertical line that divides the page, dedicating the right two-thirds for the main notes section, a smaller note taking column on the left for cues. Then draw a horizontal line that creates a section at the bottom for the summary. Include space for the date, name of the class, and topic of the lecture at the top.
  • Label Your Sections: Clearly label each section. This helps in keeping your notes organized and easy to navigate.

Step 2: Taking Notes During Class or Studying

  • Main Notes Section: Here, write down the important information from your lectures or reading material. Focus on writing down facts, key concepts, techniques, and definitions. You can also include examples, diagrams, visual aids, and highlights from massage case studies here. You don’t have to write down everything, but try to capture the essence of the material. This will probably be your least organized section, depending on how well structured your source is (e.g., presentation, textbook, training video, demonstration, online research, etc.).
  • Use Shorthand and Symbols: Whenever possible, use abbreviations, shorthand, or symbols to record information quickly and efficiently. This is especially useful for capturing lengthy explanations or complex massage therapy techniques.

Step 3: Reviewing and Refining After the Lesson

  • Fill the Cue Column: Soon after class, review your notes and jot down questions, keywords, or main points in the cue column. This reinforces your learning and prepares you for future reviews.
  • Write the Summary: At the bottom of the page, summarize the main points of your notes in a few lines and in your own words. This helps in consolidating your understanding and will later serve as a quick refresher.

Step 4: Regular Review and Application

  • Active Review: Use the cue column to quiz yourself on the material. Cover the main notes and see if you can recall the concepts using just the cues. Consider using the spaced repetition technique to secure this information in your long-term memory.
  • Practical Application: Think about how you can apply these concepts in your massage therapy practice. Relating theory to practice enhances understanding and retention.

There you have it. Four simple steps to effectively use the Cornell note taking method. By following these steps, you’re not just passively recording information, but actively engaging with it, leading to a deeper understanding and better recall for your next massage test or for the MBLEx exam.

Comparison to Other Methods of Taking Notes

The Cornell note taking system is one of several methods that students can use to efficiently collect and analyze information. Each method offers its own unique advantages, depending on the type of content being studied and the individual’s learning style. To give you a clearer understanding of how the Cornell system compares with other popular note-taking techniques, the following table provides an overview of various methods, outlining their key features, benefits, and ideal applications. Whether you’re dealing with fast-paced lectures, complex subjects, or data-heavy courses, understanding these different approaches can help you choose the most effective strategy for your study needs.

MethodBrief DescriptionBenefits/Advantages & Applications
CornellDivides notes into three sections: notes, cues, and summary.Benefits: Organizes information efficiently, enhances comprehension and review.
Applications: Versatile, great for a wide range of subjects, especially where detail retention is important.
OutlineUses bullet points and numbers to structure notes hierarchically.Benefits: Clearly organizes main topics and subtopics.
Applications: Best for structured content like history or literature, where linear progression of information is common.
BoxingInvolves drawing boxes around main topics and bullets for details.Benefits: Visually separates concepts for better focus.
Applications: Useful in summarizing complex information, beneficial for business studies or law.
ChartingNotes are divided into columns by category, ideal for comparative or statistical data.Benefits: Efficient for data-heavy courses, aids in comparing and contrasting information.
Applications: Excellent for courses like economics, science, or where data comparison is frequent.
MappingCreates a visual representation of notes with diagrams linking ideas and concepts.Benefits: Helps in understanding complex relationships between topics.
Applications: Ideal for visual learners, subjects like sociology, biology, or when brainstorming is needed.
SentenceEvery new thought or piece of information is written as a separate sentence or line.Benefits: Good for capturing information in fast-paced lectures.
Applications: Suitable for subjects with a continuous flow of information, such as philosophy or political science.
BlurtingInvolves writing or typing out everything that comes to mind about a topic, then organizing.Benefits: Encourages capturing all thoughts, which can later be structured.
Applications: Great for brainstorming sessions, creative writing, or initial stages of study.

Integrating Technology with the Cornell Method

Adopting technology specifically for the Cornell note-taking method can significantly enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. Here are some tech options and tips focused on applying this method:

Digital Note-Taking Apps: Apps like Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, and GoodNotes are particularly suited for the Cornell method. In OneNote, for instance, you can create a template with sections for notes, cues, and summary, replicating the Cornell format. Evernote’s flexibility allows you to create separate notebooks for each subject and use tags for easy organization. GoodNotes, popular among tablet users, offers a natural writing experience, perfect for manually creating Cornell notes.

Tablet with Stylus: Using a tablet like an iPad with an Apple Pencil or a Samsung tablet with an S Pen can replicate the experience of paper note-taking with the advantages of digital. You can draw the Cornell template manually or use pre-made templates in apps like GoodNotes or Notability. The stylus allows for natural handwriting, and the digital format makes it easy to rearrange or edit notes. Additionally, tablets offer the ability to incorporate multimedia elements like images or audio clips directly into your notes.

Scanning Handwritten Notes: If you prefer writing notes by hand, apps like CamScanner or Adobe Scan let you digitize your handwritten Cornell notes. You can scan, store, and organize these notes in cloud storage like Google Drive, making them searchable and accessible from anywhere.

Cloud-Based Note-Taking: For accessibility across devices, cloud-based apps like Google Keep or Evernote can be useful. You can set up a Cornell notes format and access your notes from your phone, tablet, or computer. These apps also offer features like searchability and easy sharing.

By integrating these technological tools with the Cornell method, you can maintain the method’s structured approach while also enjoying the flexibility and additional features that digital tools offer. This integration can make your study process more dynamic, interactive, and efficient.

Conclusion

The Cornell note-taking system, with its structured yet flexible approach, offers a powerful tool for an optimized learning process, particularly for students who deal with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical massage skills. By breaking down complex information into manageable sections, encouraging active engagement with the material, and enabling effective review and recall, this system can significantly improve both your understanding and retention of critical concepts. The structure of these notes also makes them ideal for last-minute review sessions before a test.

As we’ve explored, adapting the Cornell method to suit your specific study needs, whether through traditional means or by integrating digital tools, can make a noticeable difference in how you process and retain information. The use of technology, especially, brings a modern twist to this time-tested method, allowing for greater efficiency, organization, and accessibility.

Remember, effective note-taking is more than just a study skill; it’s a tool that can enhance your overall academic experience, deepen your understanding of massage therapy, and better prepare you for success both in your studies and in your future massage career. As you continue on your educational journey, consider making the Cornell note-taking system a key part of your learning toolkit, and watch as it transforms the way you capture, process, and utilize the wealth of knowledge in the field of massage therapy.

FAQs

Can the Cornell note-taking method be used during hands-on massage training sessions or workshops?

Yes, the Cornell note-taking method can be effectively used during hands-on massage training sessions or workshops. You can use the main notes section to jot down key techniques and steps demonstrated, and the cue column for quick reference points or personal observations. After the session, the summary area can be used to reflect on the overall learning and to note any specific adaptations or considerations for practical application. This approach ensures that both the procedural knowledge and personal insights gained during hands-on practice are captured and organized efficiently.

What are some tips for quickly organizing notes with the Cornell method during fast-paced lectures?

Organizing notes quickly during fast-paced lectures using the Cornell method can be streamlined with these tips:

  • Prepare the Template in Advance: Before the lecture, divide your pages into the Cornell format – main notes area, cue column, and summary section. Having this structure ready saves time during the lecture.
  • Use Abbreviations and Symbols: Develop a system of shorthand or symbols for common massage terms and concepts in massage therapy. This speeds up the note-taking process.
  • Focus on Key Points: Instead of trying to write down everything, concentrate on capturing the main ideas, important facts, and unique techniques mentioned.
  • Utilize the Cue Column Wisely: Jot down keywords or questions in the cue column as you go. This helps in quick referencing and later study.
  • Summarize After the Lecture: Immediately after the lecture, take a few minutes to write a brief summary in the summary section. This reinforces your understanding and captures the essence of the lecture.

By following these tips, you can efficiently organize your notes even in fast-moving lecture environments, ensuring that you capture the essential information without getting overwhelmed.

How can the Cornell note-taking system help massage therapy students prepare for the MBLEx?

The Cornell note-taking system is highly beneficial for massage therapy students preparing for the MBLEx (Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination). By dividing notes into main ideas, cues, and summaries, students can effectively organize and condense the extensive material covered in the MBLEx. The cues column aids in creating quick review guides and practice questions, while the summary section helps in reinforcing key concepts and procedures. This structured approach not only enhances the retention of critical information but also assists in identifying areas that require more focus, making study sessions more targeted and efficient for massage exam preparation.

What is the role of the summary section in the Cornell note-taking method?

In the Cornell note-taking method, the summary section plays a crucial role in reinforcing understanding and consolidating learning. Positioned at the bottom of the page, this section is used to write a brief recap of the main topics and key concepts covered in the notes. This practice not only aids in synthesizing the information but also serves as a quick reference for review, helping students to grasp the overarching themes and connections between different points. Effectively, it acts as a tool for reflection and ensures that the essence of the material is captured and easily accessible for future study.

Need a MBLEx

Study Plan?

Start preparing for the MBLEx the easy way with this comprehensive and organized study plan. It's a great way to get started, and it's free

Get Your MBLEx

Study Plan

Download our free MBLEx Study Plan (PDF) to help organize and guide your study sessions.

Your Study Plan Is On The Way!

Please check your email for your study plan.

Need a MBLEx

Study Plan?

Start preparing for the MBLEx the easy way with this comprehensive and organized study plan. It's a great way to get started, and it's free

Get Your MBLEx

Study Plan

Download our free MBLEx Study Plan (PDF) to help organize and guide your study sessions.

Your Study Plan Is On The Way!

Please check your email for your study plan.