Optimal use of blackboards on the first and second floors of the Mathematical Sciences Building

For more information contact: Daniel Colquitt.

Around 75% of the total board surface can be visible to the students and is therefore useable. I start with all boards at their lowest position and begin by writing on the left-rear board (LR). I then raise the board up as I am writing to keep my chalk at shoulder level. There is little point splitting the board into two as the bottom of the left column will be hidden when the board is brought back down to enable the right column to be written. I write on the top 50%-60% of the LR.

Next, I move onto the right-rear board (RR), again using the top 50%-60% in a single block. Following this, I use the whole of the left-front board (LF) making sure that when I've finished writing, the top of LF is just below the bottom line on LR (I often raise LF to partially cover LR in order to make writing easier). Finally I repeat the procedure for the right-front board (RF).

I often find it useful to have the theorem or problem on LR and leave it there until I have finished to proof/solution. If that is the case, I will then erase and use LF, followed by RR, RF. Rinse and repeat. It is also useful to note that the boards are sufficiently well balanced that the front boards can be raised by using your toe, saving much back-bending. Once the boards are raised from the floor and I'm writing on them, I find it easier to raise the boards using the friction of fingertips on the board rather than the handles/chalk trays.