Effective English Grammar Note-Taking Method: The Cornell Notes!

When it comes to learning English, tackling grammar is frequently one of the toughest hurdles for many learners. They often encounter obstacles like forgetting previously learned concepts or finding it challenging to apply grammar rules during speaking or writing assessments. Hence, in this article, PREP aims to introduce an efficient English grammar note-taking technique known as The Cornell Notes. What makes this method so effective in aiding learners' memory retention of grammar rules? Let's delve into it with PREP!

I. The Famous English Grammar Note-Taking Method: The Cornell Notes

1. Dividing the paper into 3 sections

• The largest section (usually occupying 2/3 of the page on the right side): Note column - To write down the knowledge acquired during the lecture. It is advisable to select and write down important information in this section using symbols, abbreviations, and diagrams, instead of writing complete sentences.
• The left section: Recall column (or Question/Keywords column) - After studying, write down review questions based on the knowledge learned in the session. During revision, cover the Note column with your hand and focus on the Recall column, trying to answer the questions you have written. Then, uncover the Note column to check if you remember everything or if there is any forgotten knowledge.
• The bottom section (occupying the last 5-7 lines of the page): Summary - Summarize the content written on the page so that when reviewing, you can quickly reference the sections you need to revise by glancing at the summaries of the pages.

These are the effective methods of note-taking in English grammar using The Cornell Notes. Take a look at the example below to see how to take grammar notes and effectively practice English exam preparation at home!

2. Example of Using Cornell Notes

Here is an example of English grammar note taking, specifically the two tenses: Past Perfect Simple and Past Perfect Continuous.

By following this note-taking method, you can effectively review and reinforce your understanding of grammar concepts. Remember, it's not just about passively reading your notes but actively engaging with them through recall and application.

II. Tips for Effective Grammar Learning through English Grammar Note-Taking

When taking note of English grammar items, it is important to record three aspects of each item: Form (structure), Meaning, and Use. These are also the key components taught in a grammar lesson. Instead of rereading the notes during review, let's follow the steps of effective English grammar note-taking using Cornell Notes: 

• Step 1: During the lecture or learning process, jot down grammar knowledge, including meaning, usage, structure, and examples in the Note column.
• Step 2: After completing the lesson, write down review questions based on the knowledge acquired during the class in the Recall column. Additionally, summarize the content briefly on the corresponding page in the Summary section. (Note: You may need multiple pages for a single lesson.)
• Step 3: When reviewing, quickly glance through the Summaries on the note pages to locate the specific knowledge you want to review.
• Step 4: Then, during the review, cover the Note column with your hand and answer the recall questions you wrote in the Recall column.
• Step 5: After answering the questions, uncover the Note column and check if your answers are correct or if anything is missing.

➡️ By utilizing the Testing Effect (or Retrieval Practice), where we test ourselves by answering review questions instead of simply rereading the material, we enhance long-term memory retention.

Furthermore, instead of reviewing solely by memorizing grammar structures, try to generate example sentences based on those structures. This activates higher-level thinking by understanding and applying them in context. When practicing English grammar note-taking, it is advisable to avoid writing excessively long notes, as they can be time-consuming and challenging to review. It's not about writing as much as possible; rather, it's about capturing the key points.

These are the comprehensive steps for effective English grammar note-taking using the Cornell Notes method. PREP hopes that you can efficiently retain grammar knowledge using this approach. Additionally, if you desire comprehensive learning of English grammar, including vocabulary and pronunciation, you can consider our comprehensive course called "Comprehensive Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation."