In the Cornell Method, what is the primary purpose of the left side of the notes?

The left side of the notes in the Cornell Method is designed to capture major themes and questions that emerge after class. This area is meant for cues, keywords, or questions that relate to the material covered, serving as prompts for review and deeper understanding when revisiting the notes. By identifying the main concepts alongside questions, this approach encourages active engagement with the material, facilitating better retention and comprehension.

Using the left side for this purpose allows students to reinforce their learning by connecting key ideas and themes to specific questions they may have, thus enabling them to seek clarification or more in-depth knowledge on those topics during subsequent study sessions or discussions. This focus on synthesizing information in a structured format helps students organize their thoughts and enhances their overall study strategy.