Cornell Notetaking

Cornell Notes

What are Cornell Notes? Cornell Notes were originally invented by Walter Pauk in the 1950’s. We are going to use Cornell Notes for textbook reading, but they can also be used during videos and articles, too. You will be required to take notes in this format for middle school, so we will spend this year “perfecting” the art of Cornell note taking. Please look at the three sheets of paper you have been given.

Explanation The first sheet is a blank Cornell notes template. The second sheet is an article on the Galapagos Islands. The third sheet is the rubric I will use to assess your work now and as we go forward with the year.

Read for Flow You will first read the article with your workshop partner for “flow”. After you have done this, write the topic on the top section of your notebook. Galapagos Islands

Identify Main Idea Headings The next step is to identify the main idea headings in your text. These headings are usually in bold or colored print. The second step is to turn those headings into questions: What efforts have been taken to preserve the Galapagos Islands?

Answer the Question Answer the question that you have generated with supporting details from the text. What efforts have been taken to preserve the Galapagos Islands?

Identify Main Idea Headings What efforts have been taken to preserve the Galapagos Islands? Add that to the questions, key words (left) column of your notes.

Note Supporting Details Add the details to the supporting details (right) column of your notes. What efforts have been taken to preserve the Galapagos Islands? Efforts include: In 1959 most of the islands were turned into protected land called sanctuaries. Countries have formed partnerships aimed at protecting the islands

Summarize The third step is to identify the key ideas, vocab words and important questions from your notes. These key points go into the left column. The last step is to summarize the text you have read. The summary should be placed on the bottom of the page. The summary should include the 5Ws (What, Where, When, Why, and Who) and should include linking words. Summary:

Conclusion Use this format for your textbook readings and you will be more prepared to study for important assessments. This format focuses on the most important information. This strategy can also be used at home to study for tests and quizzes. You could also use this strategy to perform research for a class project.