Note-Taking and Listening Method: The Cornell Method

Introduction

• Presenter: Emma
• Purpose: Teach an effective method for listening and taking notes.
• Context: Useful for university, business meetings, TOEFL/IELTS, etc.

Importance of Effective Note-Taking

• Context: When do you take notes? (e.g., school, work, exams)
• Common Methods: Typing on a computer vs. writing by hand

Problems with Computer Note-Taking

• Advantages: Fast typing, easy to save
• Disadvantages:
  • Passive listening (copying without processing)
  • Distraction from other activities (e.g., Facebook)

Advantages of Handwritten Notes

• Active Listening: Requires thought and organization
• Psychology Studies: Show handwritten notes are often better

The Cornell Method

• Origin: Developed at Cornell University, widely recommended
• Paper Layout:
  • Title and Date: At the top
  • Four Rectangles:
    • Main Ideas/Keywords: Left column
    • Details: Right column
    • Summary: Bottom section

How to Use the Cornell Method

• During Lecture:
  • Left Column: Main ideas or keywords (e.g., gravity, questions)
  • Right Column: Details, examples, definitions, formulas, drawings
• After Lecture:
  • Summary Section: Write 4-5 things you learned

Example of Cornell Notes

• Title: English 101 (Introduction)
• Date: Example date provided
• Main Ideas/Keywords: (Left column)
  • What is English?
  • Dialects
  • American vs. British
• Details: (Right column)
  • Official language in 60 countries, most widely learned second language
  • Types of English (Jamaican, Indian, etc.)
  • Differences between American and British English (pronunciation, vocabulary)
• Summary: Reflect on key learnings (e.g., types of English, pronunciation differences)

Practice and Application

• Recommendation: Practice using the Cornell Method with videos on www.engvid.com
• Usage: High school, university, business meetings
• Reflective Learning: Writing down the most important things learned to aid memory

Conclusion

• Resources: Visit www.engvid.com for more practice materials.
• Subscription: Subscribe to the YouTube channel for more resources.
• Final Note: Thank you for watching and take care.