Re: [MATHEDCC] Retention

Laura Petersen (petersen@LCSC.EDU)
Wed, 16 Apr 1997 11:08:24 -0700 (PDT)

I did class notes for several years in elementary algebra. It makes a
tremendous difference for some students because their problems in
succeeding in math involved much more than the mathematics -- anxiety,
poor note taking, poor study skills etc. Giving them the notes allowed us
to concentrate more on the difficulties in understanding the mathematics.
Having the notes provided also
was very helpful for those students with families and work commitments
that make absences inevitable. I found that in application problems
especially we were able to work through more examples as a class which
made their individual performances better.

One caveat, though. When students go to the next class where there are no
notes provided, it can be a difficult transition. Colleagues don't
appreciate the comparisons at times. After a few semesters, I started
deliberately talking about how to take notes towards the end of the
semester and lectured without notes the last few class periods.

I don't do it any more because I don't lecture any more. But if I did, I
would definitely use class notes. It requires a great deal of forethought
on the instructor's part; I basically had notes for the semester done
before the semester started. Leaves more time for grading during the
semester.

--Laura

-------------------------------------------------------------
Laura Bracken Petersen petersen@lcsc.edu

Division of Natural Sciences PHONE 208-799-2484
Lewis-Clark State College FAX 208-799-2064
500 8th Avenue
Lewiston ID 83501-2698 USA
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