Note-taking And Other Effective Habits of Successful Math Students

The Seven Steps to Effective Math Note-Taking As Taken From Paul D. Nolting’s Math Study Skills Workbook The key to effective note-taking is to record the fewest words, while retaining the greatest information. As you know, it is very difficult to record notes and at the same time fully understand the instructor. The seven steps to math note-taking were developed to decrease the amount of note-taking, while at the same time improving math learning.

1. The first area, steps 1 through 3, focuses on recording your notes. 2. Steps 4 through 6 focus on checking yourself to see how much information is retained. This is done by recalling key words and concepts and putting a check mark by misunderstood information. Recalling information is one of the best learning techniques. 3. Step 7 focuses on understanding key words and concepts that are frequently used. The seven steps to math note-taking consists of three major areas.

Note-Taking Memory Cues One of the best math note-taking methods is demonstrated in Figure 5 on page 51 of Nolting’s Math Study Skills Workbook. One of the best math note-taking methods is demonstrated in Figure 5 on page 51 of Nolting’s Math Study Skills Workbook. Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Sample Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules

Note-Taking Memory Cues To use this effective note-taking system, you need to record a few memory cues as reminders. To use this effective note-taking system, you need to record a few memory cues as reminders. – Label the top space between the notebook ring and the red line “Key Words.” Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Memory Cues Key Words

Note-Taking Memory Cues – Label the other side of the red line “Examples.” Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Memory Cues Key Words Examples

Note-Taking Memory Cues Next, label “Explanations/Rules” about 4 inches from the red line. Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Memory Cues Key Words Examples

Note-Taking Memory Cues Next, label “Explanations/Rules” about 4 inches from the red line. Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Memory Cues Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules

Note-Taking Memory Cues – Record these same Note-Taking Memory Cues in the three- column format as shown here below on the next ten pages of your notebook. – After using this system for ten pages, you may not need to label each page with the memory cues. Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Memory Cues Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules

Figure 5 Modified Three-Column Note-Taking Sample Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Natural numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,... You can count them. Whole numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4,... Natural numbers and zero Integers... -2, -1, 0, 1, 2,... Whole numbers and their opposites - n If n = 10, then - n = n is read “the opposite” of n, f n = -7, then - n= 7 or the opposite of a number. - n If n = 10, then - n = n is read “the opposite” of n, f n = -7, then - n= 7 or the opposite of a number. Rational Numbers Fractions: ¼, ½, ¾, … A/B, where A and B are -¼, -½, -¾, … integers, (B cannot = 0) Division by 0 is undefined. Division by 0 is undefined.

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 1 Record each problem step in the “Examples” section. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Solve this equation. Solve this equation. 2(3x - 1) = 10 6x - 2 = 10 6x - 2 = x = 12 6x = x = 2 x = 2 Follow these 7 steps to improve your note-taking:

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 2 Record the reasons for each step in the “Explanations/Rules” section by using: – Abbreviations, short phrases, …not sentences – Key words, properties, principles, or formulas. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules 2(3x - 1) = 10 dis P ( ) 6x - 2 = 10 Add opposite of Term 6x - 2 = 10 Add opposite of Term x = 12 6x = 12 6x = 12 Divide factor 6 6 6x = 12 Divide factor 6 6 x = 2 Solution x = 2 Solution

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 3 Record key words and concepts in the left 2-inch margin either during or immediately after lecture by reworking your notes. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Distributive 2(3x - 1) = 10 Distribute to clear ( ). Property 6x - 2 = 10 Add the opposite of the term, -2, 6x - 2 = 10 Add the opposite of the term, -2, Add the opposite to eliminate the term & compensate of Term FIRST. 6x = 12 on other side by doing the same. Add the opposite to eliminate the term & compensate of Term FIRST. 6x = 12 on other side by doing the same. 6x = 12 Divide by the factor, 6, to eliminate 6x = 12 Divide by the factor, 6, to eliminate Divide by factor 6 6 the factor & compensate by LAST. doing the same to the other side. Divide by factor 6 6 the factor & compensate by LAST. doing the same to the other side. x = 2 When x is all alone on one side, the equation is solved. x = 2 When x is all alone on one side, the equation is solved.

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 3 Record key words and concepts in the left 2-inch margin either during or immediately after lecture by reworking your notes. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Distributive 2(3x - 1) = 10 Distribute to clear ( ). Property 6x - 2 = 10 Add the opposite of the term, -2, 6x - 2 = 10 Add the opposite of the term, -2, Add the opposite to eliminate the term & compensate of Term FIRST. 6x = 12 on other side by doing the same. Add the opposite to eliminate the term & compensate of Term FIRST. 6x = 12 on other side by doing the same. 6x = 12 Divide by the factor, 6, to eliminate 6x = 12 Divide by the factor, 6, to eliminate Divide by factor 6 6 the factor & compensate by LAST. doing the same to the other side. Divide by factor 6 6 the factor & compensate by LAST. doing the same to the other side. x = 2 When x is all alone on one side, the equation is solved. x = 2 When x is all alone on one side, the equation is solved.

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 4 Cover up the “Examples” and “Explanations/Rules” sections, and recite out loud the meaning of the key words or concepts. Step 4 Cover up the “Examples” and “Explanations/Rules” sections, and recite out loud the meaning of the key words or concepts. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Distributive Property Add the opposite of Term FIRST. Add the opposite of Term FIRST. Divide by factor LAST. Divide by factor LAST.

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 4 Cover up the “Examples” and “Explanations/Rules” sections, and recite out loud the meaning of the key words or concepts. Step 4 Cover up the “Examples” and “Explanations/Rules” sections, and recite out loud the meaning of the key words or concepts. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Distributive Property Add the opposite of Term FIRST. Add the opposite of Term FIRST. Divide by factor LAST. Divide by factor LAST. Whenever parentheses are present in an equation, apply the Distributive Property to get rid of them as the 1 st step. Terms are the things that are added and they must be eliminated by adding opposite before eliminating the factor. And we must remember to compensate by doing the same thing to the other side of the equation. Factors are eliminated LAST from an equation by Dividing by the factor we wish to eliminate. Then compensate by Dividing by that same factor on the other side of the equation, as well.

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 5 Place a check mark by the key words and concepts that you did not know. [Use a highlighter!] Step 5 Place a check mark by the key words and concepts that you did not know. [Use a highlighter!] Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Distributive Property Add the opposite of Term FIRST. Add the opposite of Term FIRST. Divide by factor LAST. Divide by factor LAST.

Using the Note-Taking Memory Cues Step 6 Review the information that you checked [or highlighted] until it is understood. Key Words Examples Explanations/Rules Distributive 2(3x - 1) = 10 Distribute to clear parentheses ( ). Property 6x - 2 = 10 Add the opposite of the term, -2, 6x - 2 = 10 Add the opposite of the term, -2, Add the opposite to eliminate the term & compensate of Term FIRST. 6x = 12 on other side by doing the same. Add the opposite to eliminate the term & compensate of Term FIRST. 6x = 12 on other side by doing the same. 6x = 12 Divide by the factor, 6, to eliminate 6x = 12 Divide by the factor, 6, to eliminate Divide by factor 6 6 the factor & compensate by LAST. doing the same to the other side. Divide by factor 6 6 the factor & compensate by LAST. doing the same to the other side. x = 2 When x is all alone on one side, the equation is solved. x = 2 When x is all alone on one side, the equation is solved.

Step 7 Develop a math glossary for difficult-to-remember key words and concepts. Step 7 Develop a math glossary for difficult-to-remember key words and concepts. Your personal math glossary is created to define a math vocabulary in your own words. Your personal math glossary is created to define a math vocabulary in your own words. Since math is considered a foreign language, understanding the math vocabulary becomes the key to comprehending math. Since math is considered a foreign language, understanding the math vocabulary becomes the key to comprehending math. Creating your own math glossary for each chapter of your textbook will help you understand math. Creating your own math glossary for each chapter of your textbook will help you understand math. – Many math textbooks come with glossaries or summaries of key terms used in the chapter written in the back of each chapter. – Show the transparency of one such summary from a math textbook used at this college.

Your Math Glossary Your Math Glossary Your glossary should include all words printed in bold face in the text and any words you do not understand. Your glossary should include all words printed in bold face in the text and any words you do not understand. If you cannot explain the math vocabulary in your own words, ask your instructor or tutor for help. If you cannot explain the math vocabulary in your own words, ask your instructor or tutor for help. You may want to use the last pages of your notebook to develop a math glossary for each chapter in your textbook. You may want to use the last pages of your notebook to develop a math glossary for each chapter in your textbook. Review your math glossary before each test. Review your math glossary before each test.

Other Helpful Habits of Successful Math Students Other Helpful Habits of Successful Math Students 1. Use the computerized courseware that accompanies the textbook effectively. – Take a test to discover math weaknesses. – Do the study plan set as result of that test. Use the videos that accompany your textbook when you are having difficulty understanding the concepts. Use the videos that accompany your textbook when you are having difficulty understanding the concepts. See a tutor, if necessary. See a tutor, if necessary. – Do bookwork for those sections as well. – Retake the same test in the computer to see if you acquired the missing math skills. – Continue in this manner until mastery of all concepts is reached.

Other Helpful Habits of Successful Math Students Other Helpful Habits of Successful Math Students 2. Use your textbook effectively. – Use the Cover-Sheet strategy to help see the step-by- step process displayed in your textbook. – Show the transparency of a page of the textbook and block off portions of the page to show effectiveness of the Cover-Sheet strategy. – Look at the end of each chapter for study helps: Study the Summary of Key Terms and Formulas. Study the Summary of Key Terms and Formulas. Study the Quick Review (including key concepts and examples) using techniques learned in Nolting’s note-taking section. Study the Quick Review (including key concepts and examples) using techniques learned in Nolting’s note-taking section. Show the transparency of a Quick Review found at the end of a chapter in one of our textbooks. Show the transparency of a Quick Review found at the end of a chapter in one of our textbooks.

Other Helpful Habits of Successful Math Students Other Helpful Habits of Successful Math Students 3. Use your pencil and brain effectively. – Do bookwork for those sections that need your attention as per the study plan given from your computerized courseware. – Use your textbook’s chapter test as a practice test, using the Smart-sheet and Cover-sheet strategies. – Use your highlighter to mark those items in your textbook or notes when you have difficulty grasping the concepts or when your teacher comes right out and warns you that you will ‘see this type problem on the test.’

You have to think like a successful math student if you are to become one!!