Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2007

Science and Mathematics Education

Institution
Keyword
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 61 - 90 of 350

Full-Text Articles in Education

Connections Between Communication And Math Abilities, Rachelle Mayo Jul 2007

Connections Between Communication And Math Abilities, Rachelle Mayo

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my Class I School’s 5th and 8th grade mathematics, I investigated students’ connections between communication of math skills and their math abilities. I discovered that students can increase their math abilities with the opportunities to discuss their thinking as well as evaluate thinking and strategies of other students. Electronic communication can be a valuable source for students to communicate further to other students.


Pre-Reading Mathematics Empowers Students, Stacey Aldag Jul 2007

Pre-Reading Mathematics Empowers Students, Stacey Aldag

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 8th grade mathematics classroom, I investigated the improvement of mathematical communication via assigning pre-reading material and requiring students to take notes prior to class discussions. I discovered that students became more active participants during classroom discussions and were able to produce work which illustrated their mathematical understanding. Teacher observations and improved quiz scores provide quantitative evidence, and student survey responses validate student communication. As a result of this research, I plan to assign pre-reading tasks and require students to take notes prior to class discussions with the goal to change classroom presentation from …


Generating Interest In Mathematics Using Discussion In The Middle School Classroom, Jessica Fricke Jul 2007

Generating Interest In Mathematics Using Discussion In The Middle School Classroom, Jessica Fricke

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade algebra, I investigated students’ discussion of mathematics and how it relates to interest in the subject. Discussion is a powerful tool in the classroom. By relying too heavily on drill and practice, a teacher may lose any individual student insight into the learning process. However, in order for the discussion to be effective, students must be provided with structure and purpose. It is unrealistic to expect middle school age students to provide their own structure and purpose; a packet was constructed that would allow the students to both show …


“Let’S Review.” A Look At The Effects Of Re-Teaching Basic Mathematic Skills, Thomas J. Harrington Jul 2007

“Let’S Review.” A Look At The Effects Of Re-Teaching Basic Mathematic Skills, Thomas J. Harrington

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the effect of reviewing basic fraction and decimal skills on student achievement and student readiness for freshman Algebra. I also investigated the effect on the quality of student work, with regards to legibility by having students grade each other’s work anonymously. I discovered that students need basic skill review with fractions and decimals, and by the end of the research their scores improved. However, their handwriting had not. At the end of the research, a majority of the students felt the review was important, and they …


Improving Student Engagement And Verbal Behavior Through Cooperative Learning, Daniel Schaben Jul 2007

Improving Student Engagement And Verbal Behavior Through Cooperative Learning, Daniel Schaben

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 10th grade Algebra II students, I investigated three related areas. First, I looked at how heterogeneous cooperative groups, where students in the group are responsible to present material, increase the number of students on task and the time on task when compared to individual practice. I noticed that their time on task might have been about the same, but they were communicating with each other mathematically. The second area I examined was the effect heterogeneous cooperative groups had on the teacher’s and the students’ verbal and nonverbal problem solving skills and …


Do Students Progress If They Self-Assess? A Study In Small-Group Work, Cindy Steinkruger Jul 2007

Do Students Progress If They Self-Assess? A Study In Small-Group Work, Cindy Steinkruger

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the effects of self-assessment on student group work. Data was collected to see how self-assessment affected small-group work, usage of precise mathematical vocabulary, and student attitudes toward mathematics. Self-assessment allowed the students to periodically evaluate their own learning and their involvement in math class. I discovered that the vast majority of students enjoy working in small-groups, and they feel they are good group members. Evidence in regard to use of precise mathematical vocabulary showed an increased awareness in the importance of its usage. Student attitudes toward …


Why Are We Writing? This Is Math Class!, Shana Streeks Jul 2007

Why Are We Writing? This Is Math Class!, Shana Streeks

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated writing in the content area. I have realized how important it is for students to be able to communicate mathematical thoughts to help gain a deeper understanding of the content. As a result of this research, I plan to enforce the use of writing thoughts and ideas regarding math problems. Writers develop skills and generate new thoughts and ideas every time they sit down to write. Writing evolves and grows with ongoing practice, and that means thinking skills mature along with it. Writing is a classroom …


Improving Students’ Algebraic Thinking: The Case Of Talia, Kien H. Lim Jul 2007

Improving Students’ Algebraic Thinking: The Case Of Talia, Kien H. Lim

Kien H Lim

This paper presents the case of an 11th grader, Talia, who demonstrated improvement in her algebraic thinking after five one-hour sessions of solving problems involving inequalities and equations. She improved from association-based to coordination-based predictions, from impulsive to analytic anticipations, and from inequality-as-a-signal-for-a-procedure to inequality-as-a-comparison-of-functions conceptions. In the one-on-one teaching intervention, she progressed from the sub-context of manipulating symbols, to working with specific numbers, to reasoning with “general” numbers, and eventually to reasoning with symbols. Three features were identified to account for her improvement: (a) attention to meaning, (b) opportunity to repeat similar reasoning, and (c) opportunity to explore.


The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 19, Summer 2007), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor Jul 2007

The Challenge: Magazine Of The Center For Gifted Studies (No. 19, Summer 2007), Center For Gifted Studies, Tracy Inman Editor

Gifted Studies Publications

No abstract provided.


A Monte Carlo Simulation Of The Birthday Problem, Stacey Aldag Jul 2007

A Monte Carlo Simulation Of The Birthday Problem, Stacey Aldag

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

Question, how many people would you need in a group in order for there to be a 50-50 chance that at least two people will share a birthday? Answer, 23 people. But how can this be? There are 365 days in a year and half of that would be 182, so why wouldn’t you need at least 182 people to have a 50-50 chance? Strangely enough the answer to this question is only 23 people are necessary to have a 50% chance at least two people in the group will share a birthday. This situation, where the answer is counter …


Extending A Finite Sequence, Jessica Fricke Jul 2007

Extending A Finite Sequence, Jessica Fricke

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

One of the most common mistakes in school mathematics is to list a few terms of a sequence and ask “What term comes next?” For example, a teacher may write: 1 2 4 … and ask what term comes next? The best answer is “almost anything could be the next term.” But people often find that answer unsatisfying. It helps, instead, to give an example. Perhaps, one might respond by saying: “The next number might be 8, but then again, it might be 7.” This answer might, of course, result in an angry teacher, so you need to be prepared …


Hyperbolic Geometry, Christina L. Sheets Jul 2007

Hyperbolic Geometry, Christina L. Sheets

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

In general, when one refers to geometry, he or she is referring to Euclidean geometry. Euclidean geometry is the geometry with which most people are familiar. It is the geometry taught in elementary and secondary school. Euclidean geometry can be attributed to the Greek mathematician Euclid of Alexandria. His work entitled The Elements was the first to systematically discuss geometry. Since approximately 600 B.C., mathematicians have used logical reasoning to deduce mathematical ideas, and Euclid was no exception. In his book, he started by assuming a small set of axioms and definitions, and was able to prove many other theorems. …


Pythagorean Triples, Diane Swartzlander Jul 2007

Pythagorean Triples, Diane Swartzlander

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

Who was Pythagoras after which the Pythagorean Theorem is named? Pythagoras was born between 580-572 BC and died between 500-490 BC. Pythagoras and his students believed that everything was related to mathematics and that numbers were the ultimate reality. Very little is known about Pythagoras because none of his writings have survived. Many of his accomplishments may actually have been the work of his colleagues and students. Pythagoras established a secret cult called the Pythagoreans. His cult was open to both females and males and they lived a structured life consisting of religious teaching, common meals, exercise, reading and philosophical …


Distance, Rate, Time And Beyond, Janet Timoney Jul 2007

Distance, Rate, Time And Beyond, Janet Timoney

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

In middle school mathematics, students learn to use the formula “distance equals rate times time,” usually expressed as d = r × t. Why not consider the formula distance = velocity × time? Does the term velocity mean something different than the term rate? We could also consider the variations of these formulas: distance ÷ time = rate, or distance ÷ rate = time. We can examine the definitions of these words and words which are very similar. After looking at the definitions of these words, maybe we will have a better understanding of how to use the formulas and …


Evaluating Polynomials, Thomas J. Harrington Jul 2007

Evaluating Polynomials, Thomas J. Harrington

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

Computers use algorithms to evaluate polynomials. This paper will study the efficiency of various algorithms for evaluating polynomials. We do this by counting the number of basic operations needed; since multiplication takes much more time to perform on a computer, we will count only multiplications. This paper addresses the following: a) How many multiplications does it take to evaluate the one-variable polynomial, Σ= + + + + = n i i i n n a a x a x a x a x 0 2 0 1 2 ... when the operations are performed as indicated? (Remember that powers are …


The Volume Of A Platonic Solid, Cindy Steinkruger Jul 2007

The Volume Of A Platonic Solid, Cindy Steinkruger

Department of Mathematics: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Exam Expository Papers

A regular tetrahedron and a regular octahedron are two of the five known Platonic Solids. These five “special” polyhedra look the same from any vertex, their faces are made of the same regular shape, and every edge is identical. The earliest known description of them as a group is found in Plato’s Timaeus, thus the name Platonic Solids. Plato theorized the classical elements were constructed from the regular solids. The tetrahedron was considered representative of fire, the hexahedron or cube represented earth, the octahedron stood for gas or air, the dodecahedron represented vacuum or ether (which is made up of …


Using Cooperative Learning To Promote A Problem-Solving Classroom, Amy Nebesniak Jul 2007

Using Cooperative Learning To Promote A Problem-Solving Classroom, Amy Nebesniak

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my eighth grade mathematics classroom, I investigate the benefits of cooperative learning, the support structures needed to promote a cooperative learning environment, and students’ ability to transfer the cooperative learning skills into less structured problem solving situations. The data analysis reveals that cooperative learning increases students’ confidence level as well as their involvement in the learning process. In order to create successful teams, students require my providing support structures and modifying the support for each group of students. Finally, students are able to more effectively apply their cooperative skills in concrete situations as compared …


The Use Of Think-Aloud Strategies To Solve Word Problems, Lisa M. Henjes Jul 2007

The Use Of Think-Aloud Strategies To Solve Word Problems, Lisa M. Henjes

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my sixth grade mathematics class, I investigated how students’ use of think-aloud strategies impacts their success in solving word problems. My research reveals that the use of think-aloud strategies can play an important role in the students’ abilities to understand and solve word problems. Direct instruction and modeling of think-aloud strategies increased my students’ confidence levels and the likelihood that they would use the strategies on their own. Providing students with a template to use as they solve a word problem helps students to better focus in on the think-aloud strategies I had been …


Writing In The Mathematics Classroom: Does It Have An Effect On Students’ Mathematical Reasoning?, Rachel Bunnett Jul 2007

Writing In The Mathematics Classroom: Does It Have An Effect On Students’ Mathematical Reasoning?, Rachel Bunnett

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 5th grade mathematics, I investigate how to improve students’ written explanations to and reasoning of math problems. For this, I look at journal writing, dialogue, and collaborative grouping and its effects on students’ conceptual understanding of the mathematics. In particular, I look at its effects on students’ written explanations to various math problems throughout the semester. Throughout the study students worked on math problems in cooperative groups and then shared their solutions with classmates. Along with this I focus on the dialogue that occurred during these interactions and whether and how …


A Study Of The Role Of Mnemonics In Learning Mathematics, Kathy Delashmutt Jul 2007

A Study Of The Role Of Mnemonics In Learning Mathematics, Kathy Delashmutt

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my fifth grade mathematics teaching, I investigated student engagement levels in the classroom, with a specific interest in the importance and effectiveness of mnemonics in learning mathematics for all learners. I defined mnemonic instruction as a strategy that provides a visual or verbal prompt for students who may have difficulty retaining information. It is a memory enhancing instructional strategy that involved teaching students to link new information that is taught to information they already know. I investigated mnemonics effectiveness in my classroom by using two student interviews, a teacher survey, two student surveys and …


A Study Of Written Communication: Showing Your Steps, Megan Kelly Jul 2007

A Study Of Written Communication: Showing Your Steps, Megan Kelly

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my teaching of sixth grade mathematics, I investigated the importance of showing work on daily assignments. I wanted to find out what happens when I ask students to show their work, specifically, whether it would improve students’ grades or not and whether I could help the students to understand the importance of showing their work. I discovered that students need to be shown the proper way to show their work, how to look at a problem and then how to show all of their steps to get to the answer. They need to be …


Increasing Student Confidence And Knowledge Through Student Presentations, Lori Ziemba Jul 2007

Increasing Student Confidence And Knowledge Through Student Presentations, Lori Ziemba

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of a 9th grade Algebra classroom, I investigated the influence of having students present homework solutions and what effect it had on student learning and student confidence. Students were asked to present solutions to homework problems each day and were rated on how well they did. The students were also surveyed about their confidence and feelings about mathematics. Students were also observed for information about who they asked questions of when presented with a math problem they did not understand. In this classroom, two teachers were involved in instruction and this study examines what affect …


An Investigation Into Careless Errors Made By 7th Grade Mathematics Students, Andrea Wiens Jul 2007

An Investigation Into Careless Errors Made By 7th Grade Mathematics Students, Andrea Wiens

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study, I investigated the careless errors made by my seventh-grade mathematics students on their homework and tests. Beyond analyzing the types of careless errors and the frequency at which they were made, I also analyzed my students’ attitudes toward reviewing their work before they turn it in and self-reflection about the quality of work that they were producing. I found that many students did not know how to review their test before turning it in; no one had ever taught them how to do so. However, when students were given tools to help them with this …


Here Is The Plan: So What Is The Question?, Dot Snesrud Jul 2007

Here Is The Plan: So What Is The Question?, Dot Snesrud

Departament of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master's of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 5th grade mathematics students, I investigated their understanding of the mathematical operations by having them write problems to match given equations. I discovered that writing a story to match an equation does provide insight into a student’s understanding of mathematical concepts, however, reading comprehension is a factor in the understanding. Readers who struggle with comprehension do struggle with understanding and writing math story problems. The discussion that follows the writing of a math story problem and the solving of the written problems helps to strengthen the students’ mathematical abilities as well …


Improving The Effectiveness Of Independent Practice With Corrective Feedback, Greg Vanderbeek Jul 2007

Improving The Effectiveness Of Independent Practice With Corrective Feedback, Greg Vanderbeek

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 8th grade Algebra class, I investigated the effects of teacher-to-student written corrective feedback on student performance and attitude toward mathematics. The corrective feedback was given on solutions for selected independent practice problems assigned as homework. Each problem being assessed was given a score based on a 3- point rubric and additional comments were written. I discovered that providing teacher-to-student written corrective feedback for independent practice problems was beneficial for both students and teachers. The feedback positively affected the attitudes of students and teacher toward independent practice work resulting in an improved quality of …


Increasing Conceptual Learning Through Student Participation, Janet Timoney Jul 2007

Increasing Conceptual Learning Through Student Participation, Janet Timoney

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 9th grade Algebra I classroom, I investigated the idea of presenting problems at the beginning of class. Data was collected to determine if presenting problems at the beginning of class would have an effect on students’ conceptual learning, verbal communication and confidence. It was also my intention that this project would have a positive impact on my students both academically and mentally with increasing their confidence with mathematical problems. I discovered that presenting problems at the beginning of class did impact my students’ overall abilities and achievement. It seemed to improve their volunteerism …


Increasing Teacher Involvement With Other Teachers Through Reflective Interaction, Tina Thompson Jul 2007

Increasing Teacher Involvement With Other Teachers Through Reflective Interaction, Tina Thompson

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of a district’s mathematics teachers, the researcher investigated how teachers interact with other teachers in their building and throughout the district. The researcher wanted to know how deeply teachers thought about teaching mathematics, and if they use other teachers in the district as a resource to help with unknown math problems. The researcher discovered that some teachers are willing to interact with others, but would like to have time supplied to them during the school year’s staff development meetings. The teachers involved were able to observe each other teaching and take valuable strategies back to …


Improving Student Engagement And Verbal Behavior Through Cooperative Learning, Daniel Schaben Jul 2007

Improving Student Engagement And Verbal Behavior Through Cooperative Learning, Daniel Schaben

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 10th grade Algebra II students, I investigated three related areas. First, I looked at how heterogeneous cooperative groups, where students in the group are responsible to present material, increase the number of students on task and the time on task when compared to individual practice. I noticed that their time on task might have been about the same, but they were communicating with each other mathematically. The second area I examined was the effect heterogeneous cooperative groups had on the teacher’s and the students’ verbal and nonverbal problem solving skills and …


Writing For Understanding In Math Class, Linda Moore Jul 2007

Writing For Understanding In Math Class, Linda Moore

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 10th grade geometry students, I investigated how students learn to communicate mathematics in a written form. The purpose of the study is to encourage students to express their mathematical thinking clearly by developing their communication skills.

I discovered that although students struggled with the writing assignments, they were more comfortable with making comments, writing questions and offering suggestions through their journal rather than vocally in class. I have utilized teaching strategies for English Language Learners, but I had never asked the students if these strategies actually improved their learning. I have …


The Importance Of Vocabulary Instruction In Everyday Mathematics, Chad Larson Jul 2007

The Importance Of Vocabulary Instruction In Everyday Mathematics, Chad Larson

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 6th grade math students I try to answer the question of how mathematical vocabulary plays an integral role in the understanding and learning of middle level mathematics. It is my belief that mathematics is a language, and to be fluent in that language one must be able to use and understand vocabulary. With the use of vocabulary quizzes and mathematically-centered vocabulary activities, student scores and understanding of math concepts can be increased. I discovered that many of the students had never been exposed to consistent mathematical terminology in their elementary education, which led …