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Note Taking and Note Using
Skills
- Take notes in outline form,
not in paragraph form. Use a notebook to
keep notes together and in order. Keep
your notes and your homework
separate.
- Write the steps to problems
along with the solutions.
- Do not copy every example
done in class. Sit back and focus on the
process.
- Record page numbers and
problem numbers of examples done from the
textbook to help you coordinate your notes with
the text.
- Leave space for future
comments or corrections.
- Rewrite your notes to help
you review and organize the
information.
- Use an index card to record
formulas and procedures that should be
memorized. Review these often.
- Review your notes
often. It is good practice to review your
notes before every class.
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Reading the Math
Textbook
- Familiarize yourself with
the unique features of your text and use them to
your advantage.
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Glossary
Examples
Chapter Reviews
Select Answers in the Back
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- Read slowly and
carefully. A math text does not read like
a novel.
- Highlight or underline
important material.
- When reading the text
before class discussion, check
understanding by solving each example on a
separate piece of paper. Place an index
card over the book's solution and identify
reasoning for each part of the problem.
Compare your solution to the one given in the
text.
- When reading the text
after class discussion, review material
and check for consistency with class notes and
for understanding of previously misunderstood
material.
- Learn to use the index to
help find definitions and
explanations.
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Time
Management
- If you miss class, find out
what assignment was given and ask for help, if
necessary.
- Schedule in time to do your
homework. You can count on getting an
assignment in a math class almost every
night!
- Complete a weekly schedule
that organizes all of your activities and
provides adequate study time.
- Stick to your
schedule!
- Keep an actual log of study
time. This will help you realize how much
time is required and it will show your teacher
that you put forth a lot of effort.
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Problem Solving
Skills
- Keep a "positive mental
attitude" toward problem solving. If
you think you can or think you can't, you're
probably right!
- Read problems more than once
and restate in your own words.
- Write down all information
from the problem and the question to be
answered.
- Don't jump in and try to
solve problems until you have thought about your
approach. You always need a "game plan"
before you can "win"!
- Make drawings, lists,
charts, or other strategies to help gain a
better understanding of the problem.
- Take a break when
stuck.
- Most importantly, DON'T
GIVE UP!
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Studying For
Tests
- Review notes
frequently. Don't wait until the night
before the test to start
reviewing!.
- Use note cards to review
concepts that are especially difficult for
you.
- Use all resources to get a
complete picture of what might be on the
test
- Complete chapter reviews and
tests in the textbook
- Review class notes and class
examples
- Review
homework
- Take the Chapter Test (or
some other practice test) in the amount of time
that will be allowed in class. Do not
allow interruptions. If you do not score
at least 80% on the practice test, you need to
study more.
- Get a good night's sleep the
night before a test. A clear mind is as
important as a brilliant
one!
- Try to remain calm and
maintain a "positive mental
attitude"
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Taking
Tests
- Scan the entire test
first.
- Do those problems that
appear easy first. Go back to the harder
ones later. Problems which at first appear
difficult may seem easier on the second
reading.
- Never leave a
multiple-choice question blank unless you will
be penalized for wrong answers. Try to use
process of elimination to narrow down your
choices.
- Do not be intimidated by
classmates who turn in the test early.
Take as much time as YOU need!
- Check your work if your have
time. The easier problems especially
should be checked for computational errors,
miscopied numbers, or any type of mechanical
mistake.
- Learn from your
mistakes! Don't throw out returned
exams (or homework). Instead, correct
every error and keep the test to prepare for the
Semester Exam.
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