Cornell Notes to Summary

Students take two-column Cornell notes during a talk, then use the cue column to produce a summary.

Procedure

1. Draw two columns: narrow left (cues), wide right (notes).
2. During a talk or lecture, take detailed notes in the right column.
3. After, write keywords or questions in the left column that summarise each section.
4. Cover the right column; use only the cues to produce an oral or written summary.
5. Compare summary with full notes to check completeness.

Tips

• The left-column cues become a self-testing tool — students can revisit and quiz themselves later.
• Teach this as a transferable study skill.