How to Take Notes for a Math Class Before During and After Class

BEFORE Class Do a 5-minute section scan. Take notes on one page. Write down the section and all subsection headings. Draw important figures. List important formulas. Write all definitions and key words.

What’s the goal? You will gain familiarity with the section. Definitions will already be written down. You’ll have more time to listen. You can add other details during class. You will know if anything is skipped.

Section Scan Practice Let’s practice scanning and taking notes from a section of a math book. Turn to Math 20 Section 1.2 Page 381 in your packet. As we scan page after page, tell me what I should write down.

DURING Class Keep 5-min. scan notes handy. Add other notes as needed. Start a new page for lecture. Write everything your instructor writes. Write each step of an example on a new line. Leave room to add notes later.

Lecture Notes Many students will find it handy to divide the page in half. Write all examples on the left. Write all verbal instructions on the right.

Sample Lecture Notes Notice: ExamplesVerbal Clues on the lefton the right

IMPORTANT TIPS Listen carefully for verbal clues. Slow your teacher down. Know & use abbreviations. Copy figures carefully. Keep graph paper handy. Follow up with a question before you leave class. Record the lecture to hear verbal clues again.

AFTER Class Read over your notes. Fill in gaps from memory. Ask for a clarification. Read the section in the book for comprehension. Work out examples as they appear in the section.