How Does the Provision of Guided Notes Affect Student Learning in Undergraduate Mathematics?

Abstract

Note-taking in tertiary education is a challenging activity which requires listening, processing and recording new information at the same time. However, in lectures at a high presentation rate, students often have to choose between these activities. One solution which is frequently proposed to mitigate this problem is the use of guided notes, instructor-provided handouts containing blanks that are filled in class. In this article, we investigate how the provision of guided notes in an undergraduate mathematics course can support student learning. A self-report survey reveals that students value guided notes as a tool to remain focussed during the lecture, to process and store new information and to foster active engagement. Moreover, they prefer guided notes both compared to lectures without instructor-provided notes and with full notes.

Recognition and implications of sensory differences in the college classroom from a psychological perspective.

“…To keep all students on track when the lecture or discussion goes off topic or when they are sidetracked by distracting sensory stimuli, the instructor could create a classroom outline of guided notes, provided at the beginning of or prior to each class period. When the conversation does get off track, the professor can instruct the class to refer to a certain point on the outline or remind them of the broader purpose of the class period (Fahmy & Bilton, 1990; Krapf & Pfefferkorn, 2022). For instance, when examining the sociocultural theory during class, the professor might get off track when discussing the zone of proximal development.…”

“…This tactic offers a seamless way to guide everyone back to the bigger picture of the class period and to make the broader connections between the concepts being discussed in the class. Research has supported guided notes as a technique (e.g., Austin et al, 2004; Chen et al, 2017; Krapf & Pfefferkorn, 2022).…”

Technologies as Tools to Increase Active Learning During Online Higher-Education Instruction

“…The presentation slides indicate which notes to be written or typed (e.g., with bulleting or underlining). Guided notes have improved the accuracy of college students’ notes and quiz scores across varied curricular areas such as psychology and mathematics courses (e.g., Chen et al, 2017; Krapt & Pfefferkorn, 2022; Glodowski & Thompson, 2018; Iannone & Miller, 2019). Using guided notes with presentation slides makes it easier for HE students to determine what is critical, as they write only the key points, providing them with increased opportunities to listen and orally participate (Barbetta & Skruppa, 1995).…”