Journal Writing In Mathematics

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Journal Writing In Mathematics

• By
• Amy Young
• Marcie Sado

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• Amy Young
• Ala Wai Elementary School
• Grade 1

• Marcie Sado
• Mililani High School
• Algebra I
• Grades 9 - 11

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FocusThe focus of this research is to use
journals as a communication tool to provide
insight into students thinking when doing
mathematics.
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Rationale

• Students
• Enhance mathematical learning
• Provide opportunities to reflect
• Gives a sense of ownership pride

• Teachers
• Shows how students interpret mathematical ideas
• Reveals students attitudes and perceptions of
  math
• Shows how students learn solve problems

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Main Issues

• Learn to value mathematics through journals
• Dispel the myth that only right answers count
• Theres more than one way of solving problems
• Empower learners to think for themselves not
  rely on the teacher for answers
• Respect children as sense-makers
• Help students clarify their thinking and develop
  deeper understanding
• Address math standards
• Prepare students for the Hawaii Standards
  Assessment

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Research Methods

• Student Journals
• Teacher Journal
• Class Discussions
• Observations
• Student Work Samples
• Pre, Mid, Post Survey

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Journal Prompts

• Content prompts relate topics within outside
  of math, target important concepts skills
• Affective prompts focus on students feelings
  about math
• Process Prompts how one solves or approaches
  problems

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Responding to Student Journals

• Learn more about each individual student
• Get a broad sense of overall class response in
  order to evaluate the lesson
• Allow for revision
• Assess knowledge of content rather than grammar
  and skills

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Challenges

• Resistance to new approach of learning
• Reluctance to incorporate writing in math
• Inability to write
• Negative attitude towards math

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Timeline

• July- December
• - Implement journal writing for students
• (varied frequency)
• - Record observations anecdotes
• - Assess journals / Feedback
• - Review of Literature
• January - May
• - Data Analysis
• - Evaluation / Write-Up

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References

• Burns, M. (1995). Writing In Math Class A
  Resource for Grades 2-8. Sausalito, CA Math
  Solutions Publications.
• Burns, M. Silbey, R. (1996). So You Have to
  Teach Math? Sound Advice for K-6
  Teachers.Sausalito, CA Math Solutions
  Publications.
• Dougherty, B. (2002). The Write Way
  Mathematics Journal Prompts. Honolulu, HI
  University of Hawaii.
• Whitin, D. Whitin P. (2000). Math Is Language
  Too Talking and Writing in the Mathematics
  Classroom.Urbana,ILNational Council of Teachers
  of English.

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• The end
• Amy Marcie...out!