When studying for math, we often use exercises, worksheets and sample problems to work through in order to prepare of an upcoming test, exam, or review. However, as in most other subjects, note taking and journaling is also very effective and very important to help with the understanding of specific math concepts. Whether you dictate your notes and have them available for audio, or write your notes to review them visually, the strategies and tips here will help you prepare for math quizzes and tests. Effective notes will help you to remember important concepts taught in class and they will guide you through various math problems.
Taking Notes
I prefer to use the two column approach in my notes and I also prefer pencil. To use the two column approach, your actual notes will be on one side and the examples of theorems/formulas will be on the other. There is usually more than one method of solving a problem, use your notes to document this. Be sure to include examples that you believe will help you later. Math is often about making connections as so many concepts interrelated, be sure to record the connections you make. Areas where you have concerns of believe to be your greatest weakness are also the areas you should emphasize. To emphasize you may wish to use a highlighter and attach a few stickies. Personally, I prefer to date my notes as well, I also include the text pages for handy reference.
Format
I've already mentioned that it is helpful to keep audio notes, however, it is difficult to record examples of exercises in audio. Audio is better when you are reviewing postulates, procedures, and formulas. The more you hear the explanations, the greater chance you will retain the information. However, you may also wish to record your notes on your computer. Microsoft One Note is quite effective. There's an add-in that allows you to perform calculations, and to plot graphs and it contains an extensive collection of mathematical symbols and structures to display expressions and has a pretty good equation gallery. Two others are La-Tex, and Math Symbols. Although I like La Tex, it is not my first choice for taking notes. Math Symbols is great for creating exercises and it allows you to create your equations quickly (newer versions has handwriting recognition) but you'll still need another application to integrate it with. A lot of my students prefer One Note because it's where they keep all of their notes. But, everyone is different and you'll need a strategy that works best for you.
Tips for Improving Your Note Taking Skills
* Listen carefully to your instructor and jot down the key points about solving problems, proving theorems or using a procedure. Write everything you think that will help you when you return to this concept later.
* Don't get too wordy, keep your notes to the point and simple to understand.
* Use logical organization, jumping around from concept to concept will only be confusing. Make sure your examples have key points in your notes.
* Explain your reasoning. This component is key, keep it short and sweet but explain the logic behind the application or procedure.
* Record alternate methods, as I mentioned earlier, there is usually more than one way to solve a problem,
be sure to record the alternative method.
* Yes, it's a lot of work but a great way to learn . . . recopy your notes. Highlight and add or delete
information/
When taking notes in math, look at your textbook. What do you like about it? What don't you like about it? Think of your notes as a set of cheat notes for you to review. Make them look like a text that you find easy to follow.
In summary, most important of all is the review your notes in a timely way. Make review part of your routine. We are all guilty of cramming before tests and exams but a little review along the way will better equip you to
see greater success in math. If journaling works better for you, you may wish to read my up-coming posts about strategies for effective math journaling.
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