This is an effective method for taking notes during lectures, when reading, or when preparing for exams. The Cornell system divides your notes into three sections:
Cue Column: This narrow column on the left side is where you write down keywords, questions, or prompts related to the notes.
Note -Taking Area: This larger section on the right is where you jot down the main ideas and details during your lecture or while reading.
Summary Section: This small space at the bottom of the page is reserved for summarising the information you’ve written down.
There are lots of template sonline for note taking. Incluidng free template on Canva
https://www.canva.com/templates/?query=note-taking-template
Choose specific colours for different types of information. Highlight wisely: Don’t overdo it. Too many colours can make your notes look chaotic. Stick to a few key colours and use them consistently.
For example:
Yellow for definitions or key terms
Green for important concepts or main ideas
Blue for examples or supporting details
Pink for questions or things you need to review
Organise Your Notes: Use the Cornell layout to structure your notes, and then apply colour coding within each section. For example, highlight key terms in yellow in the Note-Taking Area, and use green for main ideas.
Enhance Review: When reviewing, the visual cues from colour coding make it easier to find and remember the information you need to focus on. The Cue Column helps you to test yourself, while the Summary Section reinforces what you’ve learned.