Student Created Math Handbooks.

Most students do no want to take their textbooks home and notebooks just contain notes based on what the teacher has provided.  There is something between the two that can help students organize the information into a usable form. 

Instead of giving note after note, have students create their own personal math handbook.  A handbook is a portable reference guide while the textbook is the course book filled with everything and is often quite thick and heavy. The handbook is different than the regular notes in that the handbook is more organized with proper examples and is easier to use because the topics are together.

Often, students are introduced to equivalent fractions before learning how to compare the fractions and a bit later they are introduced to making sure denominators are the same when adding and subtracting fractions.  Many times, they have notes on other things scattered between the topics so by creating a handbook, the student organizes the information into a more cohesive unit.  When they redo the material as they organize the handbook, they are reviewing the information so their brains have another chance of learning the material.

A student created handbook can be made using a composition notebook or an app on the iPad or computer.  The way a student puts the handbook together is the same for either the hard or digital copy.   The first page or two is always going to be the table of contents.  The listing will not be every single topic covered in their notes but will be grouped according to topics such as fractions, decimals, volume, quadrilaterals, etc.  The page number is the page number the section starts.  So it might say Fractions.          7-12 letting the reader know that all the material between page 7 and 12 is information on fractions.

The information written in the handbook may answer the what is it, how is it used, or why is it done this way. It doesn't have to include everything, just the information needed to do it.  For instance, when placing information on fractions, it might include the vocabulary for the numerator and denominator, finding equivalent fractions and why they are needed, how to make fractions equivalent with one or two examples, adding and subtracting, multiplying or dividing fractions, and improper and mixed fractions. This section could cover regular fractions or algebraic fractions.

In addition, each section should have several extra pages so the student can go back and add additional information and examples as needed.  The organization makes it easier for students to use the material and they can identify relationships between topics and concepts.  Yes, this might be adding another level of work but it allows students to look at the most important concepts and ideas.  The student might show solving one step equations with fractions and decimals in their notes but they would show the general formula in their handbook with short notes on what to do if the problem has fractions or decimals.  The student can also include a short note about referring to page 27 in their notes for more in-depth information and examples. 

So handbooks provide a quick organized way for notes so they are in a more cohesive form.  It also allows teachers to help students learn what is the most important information out of their notes and what isn't but is still good to have.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.