Cornell Notes Method for English 1510

Lesson Overview

  • Subject: Note taking for English 1510 using the Cornell Notes method.

  • Purpose: Enhance understanding of readings and support writing assignments.

Cornell Notes Structure

  1. Assigned Materials:

    • Each reading/viewing requires Cornell Notes.

    • Content should include:

      • Protagonists

      • Supporting characters

      • Setting

      • Themes, situations, and circumstances

      • Important details

      • Unfamiliar vocabulary

  2. Emerging Concept: Cornell Notes as a successful note-taking strategy.

Note Taking Steps

  • General Workflow:

    1. Read and Annotate:

    • Carefully read the assigned text.

    • Annotate by:

      • Highlighting

      • Numbering

      • Starring

      • Underlining

      • Writing in the margins of books, articles, or essays.

    1. Header Information:

    • On the top right of the Cornell note page:

      • Write your name

      • Title of the article/viewing.

    1. Notes Section:

    • Use the larger right section:

      • Write notes throughout your reading.

      • Options for note-taking approaches:

        • Write notes after finishing each chapter or paragraph.

        • Read a few pages and then write notes.

        • Read the entire assignment before revisiting annotations.

    • Flexibility in how to complete the notes is permitted as long as they are fully done.

    1. Cue or Key Column:

    • On the left side, summarize information from the right side.

    • Options for content:

      • Questioning the material

      • Mapping key ideas

      • Listing unknown vocabulary.

    1. Final Summary:

    • At the bottom of each page, summarize the notes in 3-4 sentences.

    • Purpose: Aids in essay writing and preparation for impromptu essays that will be required this semester.

Assignments

  • Required Viewing:

    • Watch the video titled "Improving Cornell by Notes with sketch noting Techniques" by Doug Neil available on YouTube.

    • Importance of this assignment:

      • Benefits graphic learners with note-taking strategies.

    • Submission Requirements:

      • Label notes from the lecture and from the video.

      • Ensure a complete assignment submission to D2L.

Example Notes

  • Date: 01/17/22

  • Key/Cue Words:

    • Molly Ayers

      • Noted as a Goth foster-care child, age 17.

    • Vivian Daly

      • Noted as a 91-year-old orphan train rider.

    • Friendship Dynamics:

      • Questions regarding their friendship:

      • Why do Vivian and Molly become friends?

      • Where do they find a sense of home?

    • Characteristics and Situations:

      • Jack is noted as a friend.

      • Key questions about who characters interact with, their personal lives, and situation of finding a sense of home.

  • Summary of Example:

    • Molly Ayers is identified as a 17-year-old Goth foster child.

    • Vivian Daly as a 91-year-old orphan train rider.

    • Through unforeseen circumstances, they form a strong friendship.