Introduction
A journal refers to a record composed by an individual in regard to the experiences, ideas and even observations. A journal allows people to express themselves freely which helps in preserving thoughts and memories. A math journal is a report that shows students’ thoughts and their understanding of a particular math concept, math journals are composed by students during their math’s problem-solving class.
A Math journal allows students to record solutions to a particular math’s problem and strategies used in arriving at the solutions in a simple, explicit manner. Students are free to record their thoughts and observations in their own way, they can include symbols to explain a mathematicalconcept. A math journal can simply include the learning trend of a student in a chronological order (Holtzman, & Susholtz, 2011, p. 95). This enables teachers evaluate the learning process of their students, their strengths and weakness in regard to math concepts.
Uses of Journals
A journal can be used for self-assessment, a student can compose a journal in order to review what he/ she has learned in class, this allows one to be conversant with all the knowledge acquired. A teacher on the other hand can use a journal to assess the learning process of a student, the teacher is able to identify the particular areas that the student is struggling in. A journal is an important tool of keeping records of experiences and events and hence, a person is able to remember the details of a particular experience. A journal allows people to express themselves freely without fear of being judged, this allows people to discover themselves and hence it improves self-confidence (Stevens, & Cooper, 2009, p. 31).
A math journal keeps record of a student’s learning experience, for instance, a student is able to track the knowledge he/ she acquire on a particular day. This boosts the intellectual abilities of a student, students are also able to acquire important skills including the ability to critically analyze a problem(Holtzman, & Susholtz, 2011, p. 109). A math journal assists students in breaking down a particular math’s problem, this enables them to solve a math’s problem with ease. Students are also provided with an opportunity to put down their thoughts on a piece of paper, they have the freedom to use the method of their choice, for instance, young kids can use pictures, numbers or words to express themselves.
Uses of journal in Elementary School
Teachers use journals to assess the thoughts and learning experience of young children in the elementary school. The students are able to organize and express their thoughts in regard to a particular math’s problem. Teachers use symbols and pictures to clarify the particular math’s problem, for instance, subtraction and addition. A math journal incorporates writing in mathematics to help in problem solving and therefore improve the understanding of the mathematical concepts.
In my own opinion, journal writing should be incorporated in the learning processes in order to enable students tackle and solve various math’s problems, this will enable students develop various technique of handling math’s problems at an early age. Journal writing also allow teachers and students to interact at a personal level, for instance, journal writing allows students to express themselves freely without fear of being judge, and this boosts their self-confidence as well as their relationship with their teacher.
Teachers are able to review the thoughts of the students in regard to their studies, this is important since it allows teachers to review the strengths and weakness of the students. Journal writing therefore helps establish a close relationship between the teacher and the students. However, it is important for teachers to guide students during the initial period of journal writing. The main problem of using is a journal is that journal writing is time-consuming since the teacher must assess the journal of each student.
Grade One Question
If you were asked to remove 5 oranges from a basket containing 10 oranges. Use pictures, numbers or words to show how many oranges will remain in the basket.
Grade Two Question
What is an odd number? Give examples of odd numbers between o and 10 using pictures, words or numbers.
Grade Three Question
If I gave you two pieces of an apple, the first piece is ½ of an apple and the second piece is ¾ of an apple. Use pictures to show which piece is bigger between the first piece and the second piece.
Grade Four Question
What is the relationship between a fraction and a decimal? Use numbers to explain the similarity between a fraction and a decimal.
Grade Five Question
Use examples to explain that ½ is greater than ¼. How do you know that one fraction is bigger than the other?
A Student Math Survey
A survey is a technique used to collect information about a specific subject from a certain group of people. A math survey allows teachers to acquire insights regarding students’ learning experience with mathematics.
Example of a Math Survey
Please tick where appropriate
- Male
- Female
Please answer the following questions by ticking where it’s appropriate for you.
S.A=Strongly Agree
A=Agree
N=Neutral
D=Disagree
S.D=Strongly Disagree
- Math classes are enjoyable …………………….………………………(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- The math class is fully equipped………………………………….…….(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- My Math teacher is helpful………………………………………….…(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- Am satisfied with the teaching methods used by my teacher………….(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- Am contented with the current curriculum…………………………….(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- I don’t like Math classes……………………………………………….(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- Using math journals is an effective way for me to study math……..…(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- I Enjoy learning math using pictures…………………………………. (S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- Math is an important subject…………………………………………..…(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- Am satisfied with the duration of my math class………………………….…(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- Learning math is important for my future career…………………………(S.A, A, N, D, S.D)
- I learn math better when the teacher use.
- Pictures
- Words
- Numbers
- Am expecting this grade in math.
- A
- B
- C
- D
- F
| Almost
Always |
Most of
The Time |
Sometimes | Hardly
Ever |
Never | |
| 14. I enjoy doing math homework. | |||||
| 15. My math teacher is interested in my work | |||||
| 16. My parent assist me with math homework. | |||||
| 17. My teacher teaches math using examples. | |||||
| 18. I ask my teacher to assist me when I have trouble solving some math problem. | |||||
| 19. My teacher congratulates me when I answer a math question correctly. | |||||
| 20. I prepare for the math class. I come to class on time and with the required materials and tools. |
References
Holtzman, C. & Susholtz, L. (2011). Object Lessons: Teaching Math through the Visual Arts, K-
- 5. Importance of a Math Journal, 87-191.Portland, Maine: Stenhouse Publishers.
Stevens, D. & Cooper, J. (2009). Journal keeping: how to use reflective writing for effective.
Learning, teaching, professional insight, and positive change.Journal writing, 19-53. Sterling, VA: Stylus Pub