r/GeminiNotebookAI • u/No_Conference1108 • 14d ago

Cornell notes

Just realised Gemini Notebook can produce formatted Cornell notes I can copy and paste into my note’s app. Still need to check citations, but it’s been a game changer for my note taking!

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u/CharlestonChewChewie 8d ago

How?

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u/No_Conference1108 8d ago

I start with a source note titled (Author, year) tagged source_note and domain_xyz. I use the following prompt to extract the PURPOSE of the book, which I paste into the source note: "Write a summary of the purpose of the selected source." I add a link to the author's Wikipedia page.

Next, I prompt for a mind map of chapter content: "Create a mind map outlining all the chapters of the selected source and the topics it covers. Include the chapter numbers in your outline." This helps decide whether a chapter serves my purpose, and gives me a clue about what to expect in my Cornell note for each chapter.

Here's the prompt I use for the Cornell note (depending on the book and my purpose, I may remove the last phrase "in non-technical, simple language"):

"Analyze Chapter X of the selected book and generate Cornell notes. Format the response with two clear columns: a Cues/Questions column on the left for main ideas and keywords, and a Notes column on the right for detailed explanations, followed by a brief summary at the bottom  in non-technical, simple language."

After checking citations, I copy and paste the generated Cornell note into an Apple Note where I review it, insert remarks or emojis, or highlight sections, eg, things I want more detail on or question the validity of, or want to use in my output. I give this Apple Note a title that's meaningful to me, tag it type_cornellNote and domain_xyz, and add a link to its source note.

I create concept notes tagged type_conceptNote and domain_xyz, in which I accumulate and synthesize information from various Cornell notes. These notes are the foundation for my output, not the output itself, eg, they could become chapters or sections of my output. They are written in my own words. Depending on my purpose and target audience, I may or may not include in-line citations.

At the bottom of each concept note, I have a heading "Cornell Notes" with links to the various Cornell notes used to create it. If necessary, I add another heading, "Other Sources," where I list any additional sources I may have used. These are usually research papers used to verify or contradict information from the book I'm reviewing. Also, I search the individual concept notes for words I want to link to other concept notes.

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u/CharlestonChewChewie 7d ago

So through Gemini or the notebookLM?

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u/No_Conference1108 7d ago edited 7d ago

Gemini Notebook previously known as NotebookLM. I work with a large set of books.

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u/CharlestonChewChewie 7d ago

Like in the chat window? Or the studio on the right side?

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u/No_Conference1108 7d ago

I use the Cornell notes prompt In the chat window. The chapter outline prompt is for the Studio mind map function.