Abstract
As an action research project, using mixed methodology, this study investigated how the use of math journals affected second grade students’ communication of mathematical thinking. For this study, math journal instruction was provided. The data gathering included pre- and post- math assessment, students’ math journals, interviews with the students, and teacher’s reflective journal. Findings of the study indicated that the use of math journals positively influenced the students’ communication of mathematical thinking and the use of math vocabulary. Additionally, math journals served as a communication tool between the students and teacher and an assessment tool for the teacher. The implications of this study regarding students’ writing ability and time constraints issues were also discussed.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adams, T. L. (1998). Alternative assessment in elementary school mathematics. Childhood Education, 74(4), 220–224.
Baxter, J. A., Woodward, J., & Olson, D. (2005). Writing in mathematics: Communication for academically low-achieving students. Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 20(2), 119–135.
Borasi, R., & Rose, B. (1989). Journal writing and mathematics instruction. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 20(4), 347.
Burchfield, P. C, Jorgenson, P. R., McDowell, K. G., & Rahn, J. (1993). Writing in the mathematics curriculum. Retrieved July 18, 2008 from http://www.woodrow.org/teachers/mi/1993/37burc.html.
Burns, M. (1995). Writing in math class. Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions Publications.
Burns, M. (2005). Looking at how students reason. Educational Leadership, 63(3), 27–31.
Burns, M., & Silbey, R. (1999). Math journals boost real learning. Instructor, 110(7), 18–20.
Clarke, D. J., Waywood, A., & Stephens, M. (1993). Probing the structure of mathematical writing. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 25(3), 235–250.
Creswell, J. W. (1994). Research design: Qualitative & quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Dana, N. F., & Yendol-Silva, D. (2003). The reflective educator’s guide to classroom research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
Fried, M. N., & Amit, M. (2003). Some reflections on mathematics classroom notebooks and their relationship to the public and private nature of student practices. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 53, 91–112.
Gammill, D. M. (2006). Learning the write way. The Reading Teacher, 59(8), 754–762.
Goldsby, D. S., & Cozza, B. (2002). Writing samples to understand mathematical thinking. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, 7(9), 517–520.
Illinois State Board of Education. (1997). Going to school. Retrieved July 25, 2008, from http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/math/stage_A/8CA.pdf.
Illinois State Board of Education. (2005) Mathematics scoring rubric: A guide to scoring Extended-response items. Retrieved July 25, 2008, from http://www.isbe.state.il.us/assessment/math.htm.
Kelly, M. (2008). Writing across the curriculum: The importance of integrating writing in all subjects. Retrieved July 18, 2008, from http://712educators.about.com/cs/writingresources/a/journals.htm.
Langer, J. A., & Applebee, A. N. (1987). How writing shapes thinking: A study of teaching and learning. NCTE Research Report No. 22. Urbana, IL: National Council of Teachers of English.
Larson, N. (2008). Saxon math 2. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Achieve, Inc.
McIntosh, M. E., & Draper, R. J. (2001). Using learning logs in mathematics: Writing to learn. Mathematics Teacher, 94(7), 554–557.
Mills, G. E. (2003). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (1989). Curriculum and evaluation standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (1991). Professional standards for teaching mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: NCTM.
Pearson Education, Inc. (2008). Journaling. Retrieved July 18, 2008 from http://www.teachervision.fen.com/writing/letters-and-journals/48533.html.
Quinn, R. J., & Wilson, M. M. (1997). Writing in the mathematics classroom: Teacher beliefs and practices. The Clearing House, 71, 14–20.
Schoen, H. L., Fey, J. T., Hirsch, C. R., & Cxford, A. F. (1999). Issues and options in the math wars. Phi Delta Kappan, 80(6), 444–453.
Tuttle, C. L. (2005). Writing in the mathematics classroom. In J. M. Kenney (Ed.), Literacy strategies for improving mathematics instruction (pp. 24–50). Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Williams, N. B., & Wynne, B. D. (2000). Journal writing in the mathematics classroom: A beginner’s approach. The Mathematics Teacher, 93(2), 132–135.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kostos, K., Shin, Ek. Using Math Journals to Enhance Second Graders’ Communication of Mathematical Thinking. Early Childhood Educ J 38, 223–231 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0390-4
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0390-4