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NotesIntroduction: One of the hardest parts of learning mathematics is what I call "owning the material". That is, you can learn anything at different levels and sometimes even think you really know something but then find out when you get on the test that you just did not know it well enough. I am still a student and know that there is a technique that has helped me and others. For instance for myself, I have always been able to improve my grade an entire letter grade using this technique. I hope this motivates you? If not, PLEASE remember that notes are part of your grade and you may ONLY use the types of notes described below during exams.
Taking Notes: I want each of you to take notes as you read/learn the new material. This is called active learning which sticks better than simply reading the book or listening to a lecture. After you read 4-6 sentences write out one summary sentence for yourself. For instance, it may be as simple as "to find the domain I exclude any x-values that make the denominator equal to zero". If you are practicing a problem from the exercises in the book, work the problem downward and describe each step with "some" words.For instance, "I mult. by the LCD to clear out fractions". By taking this bit of time, you will make the material stick deeper. Consistency is key since as you know "math builds on itself" and you must make sense of each step. Because these notes should contain examples, symbols and worked-out problems, these are not the notes that can be used on the exams. HOWEVER, this is the technique that can change your grade.
Notes for Credit and the Exams:
1. First off, when you come to an exam please have only the set of notes described below in a notebook or stapled and easy for me to review. At the beginning of each exam I will move from student to student and look through the notes to make sure they are the type that can be used on the exam. If I find symbols or examples, I will tell you that you may not use the notes on the exam. However, you may still get partial credit for the notes.
2. Make major headings. For instance, if a section title is Solving Rational Equations, write that heading and highlight the heading.
3.Beneath each heading write down how you would do the problem type in your own words without using an example or symbols. For instance, below the heading of Solving Rational Equations you may put the letter (a) followed by - If I see an equation with fractions I will (1) factor all the denominators (2) from the factored form I will find the least common denominator (LCD) (3) I will multiply each term by the LCD (4) I will not forget to multiply a number that is by itself in the equation since it is still a term, (5)...
4.Since this is a long process do not write down what you do KNOW. For instance, if you always get a certain type of problem correct DO NOT go through this. Only do this process for types of problems that you may need help with on the exams.
5. You may type or hand-write as many pages as you wish. But, remember not to include examples or any symbols. Make sure to bold/highlight and indent so that you can find what you need on your exams.
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