Assessment of an innovative system of lecture notes in first-year mathematics

Abstract

Lectures are a familiar component in the delivery of mathematical content. Lecturers are often challenged with presenting material in a manner that aligns with the various learning styles and abilities within a large class. Students complain that the old-fashioned lecture style of copying notes from a board hinders the learning process, as they simply concentrate on writing. In recent times, distributing elaborate lecture notes has become a widespread alternative, but has its own problems, alienating the audience with lack of participation. The authors have developed a system of lecture notes, we call partially populated lecture notes, that have enjoyed success with students and addressed these difficulties.