Notetaking In Algebra

Mr. Simmons

Why Take Notes? Taking notes forces you to listen carefully

Your notes indicate what is important

Personal notes are usually easier to remember than the text

Writing down important points helps you to remember them

Note-Taking Tips Make your notes brief

Put most notes in your own words 

If you miss something, write key words, skip a few spaces, and get the information later

Don't try to use all the space on the page

Date your notes & number the pages

Teacher Clues My emphasis

How I talk about something Amount of time I spend on points Number of examples I use

Word signals “This is really important.” “You need this.” “Make sure you have this.” “Are you solid?”

Classroom Clues Things written on the board.

Time spent on examples

Items that are repeated

Summaries given at the end of class

Reviews given at the beginning of class 

After Class Compare notes with a partner.

Talk about what you wrote and why. Look for gaps & missed info.

Both partners should feel free to add to their notes

3 Note-Taking Methods Left Side – Right Side

Two-Column

Cornell Notes

Left Side – Right Side

Date

Page #

Text notes

&

Your comments

Date

Page #

Class notes

&

Examples

Two Column

Text Notes

&

Comments

Date

Page #

Class Notes

&

Examples

Cornell Style

Key Points

&

Questions

Date

Page #

Here is where you write your notes and examples

Write a summary of your day’s notes here