Taking Math Lecture Notes
(last update Mon, Mar 8, 2004)
Why should I take math lecture notes?This will ensure you will correctly remember the formula later on and that you will have an exact explanation of every step to solve the formula. You will not have to rely on your memory, which may be faulty.

How can I take effective math lecture notes that will take advantage of the natural strengths of my brain?

  1. Copy down the formula carefully and clearly in the center of the page and in handwriting larger than normal, so it is extremely easy for you to see each element of the formula.
  2. Copy down every single step carefully and clearly in the exact order the teacher gives them, even the easy steps that you think you will ALWAYS remember. This way you will always have every step you will need to solve the formula. If you do not get all of the steps during class, leave blank spaces and after class ask the teacher to help you fill in the missing steps. 
  3. Number each step to help you remember how many steps there are to solve the formula.
  4. On the back of your lecture notes, make a vocabulary list for the specialized words used in the formulas your teacher explains.
  5. In the entry for each vocabulary word, list the word, the technical meaning, your own meaning, and show where the word is in the formula . This will ensure that when you have word problems to solve, you will be able to understand the words in the problem and be able to correctly relate them to the formula.
  6. Copy down exactly the sample problems illustrating the formula so that you can have a grave; practical acute; demonstration of how to plug in the numbers to the formula. 
  7. After class, on the back of your notes, make up your own sample problems to practice the formula. This will help you practice the skills you will need to solve the formula and to memorize the formula.
  8. After class use different colored highlighter pens to highlight the individual elements of the formula and then use those same colors to highlight the steps where those elements are used in solving the formula. 
  9. Review your notes for 15 minutes every evening until you are able to recite back the formula and steps for solving it without looking at your notes.
Taking Math Lecture Notes:
On the back of your notes, make up your own sample problems to practice the formula Write down the steps you take to solve the sample problems. Make sure you copy down exactly the sample problems illustrating the formula.

Copy down the explanation in order, numbering the steps for the solution "Taking Lecture Notes". Copy down main points of the visual material, including keys, symbols, numerical info, changes, or comparisons.

  • Make a vocabulary list for the specialized words used in the formulas your teacher explains.
  • Put the list on the back of your lecture notes.
  • In the entry for each vocabulary word, list the word, the technical meaning, your own meaning, and show where the word is in the formula .
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