Math journaling

Since I hope to incorporate the use of journaling into my math classes, I needed to do a bit of research into using journals. In an article by Deb Russell, she states “Journal writing can be a valuable technique to further develop and enhance your mathematical thinking and communication skills in mathematics. Journal entries in mathematics provide opportunities for individuals to self-assess what they've learned” (Russell, 2005). It provides the part of education where students learn how to discuss what they did, how they did it and perhaps it helps them learn the material better. In addition, she says “The individual has to think about what he/she did in order to communicate it in writing; in so doing, one gains some valuable insight and feedback about the mathematical problem solving process. The math no longer becomes a task where by the individual simply follows the steps or rules of thumb. When a math journal entry is required as a follow up to the specific learning goal, one actually has to think about what was done and what was required to solve the specific math activity or problem”(Russell, 2005). I’ve tried journaling a bit but its not been really successful because I haven’t known the type of questions to ask Deb Russell lists some suggestions at the end. In the process of researching mathematical journaling, I found this site which has examples of several different types of mathematical journals. http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/actbank/sjournal.htm
This is quite a help. Finally Deb Russell states “Math journals should not be done daily, it's more important to do math journals with new concepts in areas specifically related to growth in mathematical problem solving” (Russell, 2005).
Furthermore, the article from the What’s it all about web site helps teacher introduce writing into mathematics. It states “Writing about thinking is challenging. For this reason, it's best not to start out having students write about unfamiliar mathematical ideas. First get them used to writing in a math class” (Editor, 2004). It suggests “Begin with affective, open-ended questions about students' feelings (Editor, 2004). This may be why my previous attempts didn’t work well. I tried to get them to write about Mathmatics without getting them comfortable with the concept of journaling. I like this website because it has lots of information on journaling and I’m going to follow many of these suggestions. Perhaps I can get students past the “This is math, not English, why do I have to write” attitude.

Editor, (2004). Using writing in mathematics. Retrieved April 12, 2008, from What’s it all about? Web site: http://www2.ups.edu/community/tofu/lev2/journaling/writemath.htm

Russell, D. (2005). Math journals for all ages. Retrieved April 11, 2008, from About.com about mathematics Web site: http://math.about.com/library/weekly/aa123001a.htm