An Analysis Of The Use Of Notes In Senior High Mathematics Class

In mathematics learning, note-taking in class is a significant learning strategy for a senior high student. It improves understanding of what is taught in class and enhances memory. Revision of notes after class helps integration of new and old knowledge and it also benefits the construction of an individual learner's own comprehension. This article focuses on the following problems concerning note-taking:(1) the present situation of learners in note-taking and note revision, the remarkable distinction between students of various levels, the links between effects and learning behavior regarding note-taking. (2) the present situation of teachers in the guidance of note-taking and revision and the possible measures of improvement.This study includes the following investigations. (1) a questionnaire on the uses of notes taken in class involving 625 senior high students; (2) interviews about the attitudes to note-taking and relevant instructions with 11 mathematics teachers from senior high schools; (3) case analysis of 10 respondents of the above mentioned questionnaire.The findings of this study are listed as follows:(1) Students do well in note-taking, but they don't make full use of the notes after class.(2) Note-taking promotes mathematics learning and note-revision is the key step. Effective note-revision can enhance learning efficiency.(3) In general, teachers'instruction is insufficient regarding note-taking and note-revision. Requirements on notes vary greatly from teacher to teacher.Based on the above findings, I put forward the following suggestions to senior high school mathematics teachers so as to improve the efficiency in note-taking and bring the strategy into full play in the learning process. (1) In the initial learning process, students' attention should be drawn to the thorough comprehension of what is newly taught and avoid cramming up. In the phase of revision, emphasis should be laid on the classification of and the reflection on common mistakes. (2) Teachers are supposed to have different requirements on notes for top students, average students and underachievers respectively. In particular, teachers'priority is to give girl underachievers instructions on note-taking.