A teacher's reflection on the implementation of journal writing in mathematics
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Date
1995
Authors
Addison, Linda
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 1995
Abstract
Mathematics is often a challenging subject for students.
Historically, mathematics has been a subject in which less
written work has been completed than in other content area
subjects.
Wr i ting can be used in mathematics classes to open
additional lines of communication between student and teacher.
Writing involves students actively in mathematics. In order to
write about a topic, students must be able to reconstruct
their knowledge of the topic in a form that is understandable
by someone reading the material.
Student journals are one form of writing that may offer
teachers an additional "tool" for teaching students
mathematical concepts and evaluating mathematical knowledge.
Students in this project responded in journals over the
course of a three week mathematics unit. The students answered
free response, summary, comprehension and problem solving
questions in their journals. The teacher responded to all
student entries and kept a personal journal of the process.
The rewards of the project for the teacher included an
increased awareness of student comprehension of concepts,
feelings and attitudes towards mathematics. Opening another
line of communication with the students offered the
opportunity to stay in touch with even the most quiet and
reserved student. The personal journal offered the teacher a
place in which to reflect upon the successes and challenges of teaching mathematics.
There were challenges to implementing the program. Time
tended to be an obstacle to having students write thoughtful
entries in their journals. Assessing student understanding
through the student responses was another challenge.
In preparing students for the mathematical challenges of
the twenty-first century, it is important that teachers use a
variety of teaching methods. Journal writing in the
mathematics class is one method that appears to offer great
potential.
Description
vi, 92 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.
Keywords
School children -- Diaries , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary)