does the use of math journals improve students retention and recall of math facts and formulas?
TRANSCRIPT
Quantitative Research
Does the use of math journals improve students retention and recall of math facts and formulas?
Quantitative ResearchHypothesis
Students will use math journals to record their thinking processes which will help them internalize math facts and formulas improving retention and recall.
Quantitative ResearchGoals
Students will use math journals to record their thinking processes and take daily notes.
Students will improve their retention and recall of math facts by using their math journals.
Quantitative ResearchStudy
Unable to correctly take notes and journal thoughts. The lack of retention with math facts and formulas.
Quantitative ResearchRole of Researcher
The researcher will be a classroom teacher who will:Instruct on how to take notes using prompts and share
problem solving strategies to help students work through math problems.
Create pre and post test assessments.Grade assessmentsDesign notebook rubrics and writing prompts
Quantitative Research Role of Participant
Participants will be 6th-8th grade math students who will:Take daily notes in their math journal.Write from a writing prompt weekly encouraging
metacognition.Complete a pretest and posttest to assess retention and
recall.Peer grade math notebooks using appropriate rubrics
Quantitative ResearchData Collection
BeforePre-Assessment scores
DuringWeekly writing prompt completion Bi-Weekly notebook checks
AfterPost-Assessment scores
Quantitative ResearchTypes of Data
Pre-Assessment Open-ended questions regarding math facts and
formulasWeekly Writing Prompts
Teacher created based on weekly unit of studyBi-Weekly Notebook Check
Peer graded review of notes using a rubric with a 5 point scale
Post-AssessmentIdentical assessment to pretest
Qualitative Research
Problem StatementStudents are struggling to recall and retain information
taught in mathematics.Can the use of a math notebook or journal help
students realize the use of mathematics in their everyday lives?
Will building relationships between what is taught in math class and real life help students internalize information?
Qualitative Research GoalsBuild connections between daily activities and math
lessons. Determine if students feel the math journal is a useful
tool.
Qualitative Research Benefits of StudyAssess whether students have the ability to build
meaningful relationships between what is taught in the classroom and real life.
Provide a means of helping students realize their full potential in mathematics.
Give students an opportunity to voice their opinions about what is happening in the math classroom.Positive and/or negative
Qualitative Research Role of the ResearcherObserve student behavior Administer rating scale assessmentConduct an interview with students
Qualitative Research Role of the Participant6th to 8th grade math students
Take notes during instruction.Record thoughts, questions, ideas, feelings and connections
while completing math assignments.Complete rating scale assessment.Interview with the researcher as a follow up to the
research.
Qualitative ResearchTypes of DataRating Scale Assessment
Survey of their likes and dislikes of using the math notebook/ journal.
Student InterviewIn depth look at what worked and what didn’t work. Why it
did or didn’t work. What they would change.Observation Notes
Observe students during note taking and record various types of journaling.
Action ResearchWhat can be done to improve students retention
and recall of math facts and formulas?
Action ResearchHypothesis
Recording thoughts, ideas, questions and connections will improve retention and recall.
Action ResearchGoals
Record thinking processes and take daily notes. Build connections between daily activities and math
lessons. Determine if students feel the math journal is a useful
tool.
Action ResearchImportance of the study
Assess whether students’ have the ability to build meaningful relationships between what is taught in the classroom and real life.
Provide a means of helping students realize their full potential in mathematics.
Give students an opportunity to voice their opinions about what is happening in the math classroom.Positive and/or negative
Action ResearchRole of Researcher
The researcher will be a classroom teacher who will:Instruct on how to take notes using prompts and share
problem solving strategies to help students work through math problems.
Create pre and post test assessments.Grade assessmentsDesign notebook rubrics and writing promptsObserve student behavior Administer rating scale assessmentConduct an interview with students
Action ResearchRole of Participants
Participants will be 6th-8th grade math students who will:Take daily notes in their math journal.Record thoughts, questions, ideas, feelings and connections
while completing math assignments.Write from a writing prompt weekly encouraging
metacognition.Complete a pretest and posttest to assess retention and
recall.Peer grade math notebooks using appropriate rubricsComplete rating scale assessment.Interview with the researcher as a follow up to the research.
Action ResearchData Collected
BeforePre-Assessment scores
DuringWeekly writing prompt completion Bi-Weekly notebook checksObservation notes.
AfterPost-Assessment scoresRating Scale AssessmentStudent interviews.
Action ResearchTypes of Data
Pre-Assessment Open-ended questions regarding math facts and
formulasWeekly Writing Prompts
Teacher created based on weekly unit of studyBi-Weekly Notebook Check
Peer graded review of notes using a rubric with a 5 point scale
Post-AssessmentIdentical assessment to pretest
Action ResearchTypes of Data (continued)Rating Scale Assessment
Survey of their likes and dislikes of using the math notebook/ journal.
Student InterviewIn depth look at what worked and what didn’t work. Why it
did or didn’t work. What they would change.Observation Notes
Observe students during note taking and record various types of journaling.