Can't do a Cornell note-taking assignment

Parents Forum Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
1

I have ADHD and I’m picky when it comes to everything about learning. I’m also very picky about note-taking and which format to use and my Instructor gave us an assignment where we had to use the Cornell note-taking method to write notes on the “I have a dream” speech by Martin Luther King. I have tried to watch video after video trying to understand the Cornell note system and I still can’t comprehend it. To me, it’s overly detailed the format stresses me out and overwhelms me. I sent a message to my Instructor saying I couldn’t do it but I feel crappy because I don’t want to fail the assignment and have my grade drop but it’s not my fault I can’t comprehend the assignment and he’s forcing us to do a one-style note-taking method.

I do know that after this I’m going to my admissions rep for disability services.

2

My niece with ADHD was taught the cornell method in 5th grade and they used it all the way through her high school years. She turned it into a pattern process, filling out notes to fill blocks on the page, so it became more by rote than thoughtful. Now in college she just writes down everything the teacher says, even if she’s not giving it her full attention, and studies it later. It helps her keep her grades up. She uses books where she can write notes in the margins–not very good for resale, but she goes back and studies the notes later. Good luck.