mathclassinfo

The Math Notebook

Each student is required to maintain a binder JUST for math class.

• use a 3-ring, 1-inch binder
• avoid velcro, pockets, or any other fancy gizmos
• use tabbed dividers to make and label 5 sections (notes, homework, tests, OA, other)
• use the three rings, do not simply shove stuff in there

Students who are unorganized tend to have more trouble with advanced mathematical concepts than those who are organized. I can not stress the need for organization enough. If you desire to do well in this class, KEEP YOURSELF ORGANIZED.

The Math Book

Students are required to bring their math textbook to class daily.

It is not appropriate for you to copy homework problems out of your book during class in hopes of not having to take the text home. The text and its examples are a resource you should use. Moreover, do not leave your textbook in my classroom.

Materials

Students need the following each school day:

• pencils, preferably mechanical (math work will not be accepted if done in pen)
• binder paper (plenty of it)
• eraser
• graph paper (not used on a daily basis, but it needs to be available)
• red ballpoint pens
• calculator (I recommend the TI-30X IIS)

Parents: Many of you would be suprised to find the number of students who arrive at my class each day unprepared. It is very likely that YOUR son or daughter is such a student. Make sure they supplied; monitor and resupply as needed.

Students should have the following available at home:

• straight edge (ruler)
• compass
• protractor
• a reserve binder and graph paper supply
• stapler
• 3 hole punch

TAKING NOTES IN CLASS

1. Label and date your notes.
2. Use color to emphasize important ideas and points.
3. Use abbreviations.
4. Review and revise your notes as soon as possible after writing them.
5. Sometimes in class I will suggest that you write something down in your notes. Follow these suggestions. Be alert and write down definitions, postulates, theorems, and example problems. Use the following techniques to make notes:

DEFINITIONS

• Copy the exact term or use a precise equivalent.
• Set off the word defined (underline, indent, use color).
• Include a drawing if appropriate.

PROPERTIES, POSTULATES, AND THEOREMS

• Be sure to copy them accurately. If you reword them, be sure that you have not altered the meaning.
• Review them as soon as possible by trying to recall as much as you can without the aid of your notes or book.
• Copy drawings if appropriate.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

• Follow my advice about when to copy problems – before, during, or after they have been explained.
• Copy them accurately.
• Clearly indicate steps in the solution.
• Emphasize (use color, stars, underline) the new procedure being illustrated in the problem.
• When practicing problems in class and you make a mistake, be careful to note your error and include both the correct answer and procedure.

If notes are illegible and/or unorganized, they are not very useful study tools.