Introduction
As structuring information is an essential part of learning that helps better understand the essence of the examined subject, various note-taking methods have been invented. One is the Cornell method, a unique system invented by Walter Pauk. It is considered to be an efficient technique for organizing information. Scholarly studies confirm that using the Cornell note-taking system in their education leads to better information retention and higher grades among graduate students.
Learning Benefits of the Cornell Method
Recent studies exploring the Cornell method show that it dramatically improves students’ understanding of the material. The reason is that the system is designed to help students reflect on the information they have learned and question it (Saran et al., 2022). A study by Courtney et al. (2022) involving graduate students majoring in science or engineering demonstrates that taking notes during online study can be a valuable pedagogical aid to mitigate potential learning challenges.
The research results revealed that students who took notes demonstrated improved comprehension of the information. The level of note complexity was shown to correlate positively with writing scores (Courtney et al., 2022). It proves the effectiveness of the system for data retention and grades.
Similar results were shown in other studies on the topic. A study by Lorio et al. (2022) focusing on graduate physical therapy students found that note-taking, including the Cornell method, positively affects students’ performance. A study by Witherby and Tauber (2019) for a mixed sample of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students confirms this observation. Interestingly, graduate students were shown to prefer note-taking options that differ from those proposed by researchers as most effective (Witherby & Tauber, 2019). Nevertheless, the Cornell handwritten note-taking system is effective for memorization and improving grades.
Conclusion
The Cornell note-taking method is a simple and efficient way to structure information. Studies show that students who implement this technique in their education are more likely to recall and present information. Scholarly research shows that this method makes learning easier for graduate students and improves their memorization skills and academic success.