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Science and Mathematics Education Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Science and Mathematics Education
Cooperative Learning Groups In The Eighth Grade Math Classroom, Dean J. Davis
Cooperative Learning Groups In The Eighth Grade Math Classroom, Dean J. Davis
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics students, I investigated whether cooperative learning would lead to a better understanding of the mathematical concepts and thus more success for the students. I used my three eighth grade classes with two using cooperative groups and the third not. I discovered that the students who wanted to work in cooperative groups were more successful than they had been. I also discovered that the grouping itself has a great effect on how the group works together. The wrong grouping of students can lead to disaster and many headaches for …
Using Math Vocabulary Building To Increase Problem Solving Abilities In A 5th Grade Classroom, Julane Amen
Using Math Vocabulary Building To Increase Problem Solving Abilities In A 5th Grade Classroom, Julane Amen
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my 5th grade mathematics class, I investigated how students’ understanding of math vocabulary impacts their understanding of the curriculum. I discovered math vocabulary plays an important role in a student’s ability to understand daily lessons, complete homework, discuss ideas in groups, take tests and be successful on achievement tests. A student’s ability to understand the words around him (or her) in math class seem very related to his or her ability to solve word problems. Word problems are what our national assessments are all about. I also discovered that direct instruction and support of …
How To Better Prepare For Assessment And Create A More Technologically Advanced Classroom, Kyle Lannin Poore
How To Better Prepare For Assessment And Create A More Technologically Advanced Classroom, Kyle Lannin Poore
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated how to better prepare these students for quizzes and how technology can be used in the classroom. I discovered that there are many different ways to challenge students and help them prepare for assessments. There are also many ways to use technology in the classroom if one has the opportunities to use some of the tools, such as Power Point and Algebra Tiles. As a result of this research, I plan to increase the scores on state standards while also allowing the students to enjoy technology …
Student Transition To College, Doug Glasshoff
Student Transition To College, Doug Glasshoff
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of recent graduates from my district, I investigated their level of readiness for college-level mathematics courses. I discovered that the students have a wide variety of experiences in college. There are many factors that determine success in college mathematics courses. These factors include size of college, private or public, university or community college. Other factors include students’ choice of major, maturity level, and work ethic. As a result of this research, I plan to raise the individual expectations in my classroom. It is our duty as high school educators to prepare the students for a …
Daily Problem-Solving Warm-Ups: Harboring Mathematical Thinking In The Middle School Classroom, Diana French
Daily Problem-Solving Warm-Ups: Harboring Mathematical Thinking In The Middle School Classroom, Diana French
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the use of daily warm-ups written in problem-solving format. Data was collected to determine if use of such warm-ups would have an effect on students’ abilities to problem solve, their overall attitudes regarding problem solving and whether such an activity could also enhance their readiness each day to learn new mathematics concepts. It was also my hope that this practice would have some positive impact on maximizing the amount of time I have with my students for math instruction. I discovered that daily exposure to problem-solving …
Bad Medicine: Homework Or Headache? Responsibility And Accountability For Middle Level Mathematics Students, Shawn Mousel
Bad Medicine: Homework Or Headache? Responsibility And Accountability For Middle Level Mathematics Students, Shawn Mousel
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my 5th grade mathematics class, I investigated the issue of homework and its relationship with students and parents. I made some interesting observations and discovered that the majority of students and parents felt that the math homework that was given was fairly easy, yet issues of incomplete assignments and failing homework quizzes were notorious for some individuals. Comments were also made to make homework even easier and have shortened assignments despite the already indicated ease of the work. As a result of this research, I plan to look more closely at the history and …
Motivating Middle School Mathematics Students, Vicki Sorensen
Motivating Middle School Mathematics Students, Vicki Sorensen
Action Research Projects
In this action research study I examined the relationship between the teacher, the students and the types of motivation used in mathematics. I specifically studied the mathematic teachers at my school and my seventh grade mathematics students. Motivating middle school students is difficult and the types of motivation can be as numerous as the number of students studied. I discovered that the teachers used multiple motivating tactics from praise, to extra time spent with a student, to extra fun activities for the class. I also discovered that in many instances, the students’ perception of mathematics was predetermined or predetermined by …
The Effects Of Self-Assessment On Student Learning, Darla Rae Kelberlau-Berks
The Effects Of Self-Assessment On Student Learning, Darla Rae Kelberlau-Berks
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my 7th and 8th grade mathematics classes, I investigated self-assessment and goal setting. Students set goals at the beginning of the chapter. Students rated themselves at the end of each lesson in several different areas. Those ratings were used to help students know what areas to focus on when preparing for a test. I discovered that students were realistic with their goals. I discovered that the 7th grade Pre-Algebra classes were accurate with their self-ratings and that those ratings helped students with test preparation. I also discovered that students were positive about the experience …
Departmentalization In The 5th Grade Classroom: Re-Thinking The Elementary School Model, Delise Andrews
Departmentalization In The 5th Grade Classroom: Re-Thinking The Elementary School Model, Delise Andrews
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my 5th grade classroom, I investigated the benefits of a modified block schedule and departmentalization. The research consisted of dividing the 5th grade curriculum into three blocks. Each block consisted of two primary subject areas: Mathematics was paired with Social Studies, Reading was paired with Health, and Writing was paired with Science. These groupings were designed to accommodate district time-allotment requirements and the strengths of each teacher within the 5th grade team. Thus, one teacher taught all of the Mathematics and Social Studies, another all of the Reading and Health, and another all of …
Cooperative Learning Groups In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom, Sandra S. Snyder
Cooperative Learning Groups In The Middle School Mathematics Classroom, Sandra S. Snyder
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the inclusion of cooperative learning groups. Data was collected to see how cooperative learning groups affected oral and written communication, math scores, and attitudes toward mathematics. On the one hand, I discovered that many students enjoyed the opportunity to work within a group. On the other hand, there continues to be a handful of students who would rather work alone. The benefits outweigh the demands. Overall, students benefitted from the inclusion of cooperative learning groups. Oral explanations of solutions and methods improved during the study. Written …
Writing In A Mathematics Classroom: A Form Of Communication And Reflection, Stacie Lefler
Writing In A Mathematics Classroom: A Form Of Communication And Reflection, Stacie Lefler
Action Research Projects
In this action research study, I investigated the use of journaling in my seventh grade mathematics classroom. I discovered that journaling can be a very rewarding and beneficial experience for me and for my students. Through journaling, my students became more adept at using correct mathematical terminology in writing and in speaking. The students also believed that they learned the content more deeply and retained it better. Additionally, implementing mathematical journals caused me to emphasize the use of correct terminology and thorough explanations of mathematical thinking in classroom discussions. As a result of this research, I plan to refine my …
The Effects Of Teaching Problem Solving Strategies To Low Achieving Students, Kristin Johnson, Anne Schmidt
The Effects Of Teaching Problem Solving Strategies To Low Achieving Students, Kristin Johnson, Anne Schmidt
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of an eighth grade Math Intervention class, we investigated the following:
• the direct teaching of problem-solving strategies to low achieving students;
• the effect the academic achievement has on these students; and
• students’ perceptions of themselves as problem solvers.
We discovered that students tended to have a positive experience with problem-solving activities when given direct instruction on a variety of strategies. Through the use of a four-point rubric, students’ written responses tended to be more comprehensive about their understanding of the problem. Over a span of four weeks during the spring semester in …
Self-Directed Learning In The Middle School Classroom, Jim Pfeiffer
Self-Directed Learning In The Middle School Classroom, Jim Pfeiffer
Action Research Projects
The action research project took place in my seventh grade mathematics classroom and involved the study of how student directed learning impacts the ability of students in the middle level to learn mathematics. This research project uncovered issues in student learning and self-discipline of the students, as well as classroom management skills that were not readily apparent in a teacher-centered middle level mathematics classroom. As a result of this action research project, my future seventh grade mathematics students will continue to have an increased role in the educational process to which they are an audience. The student-centered learning environment seems …
Math In The George Middle School, Tiffany D. Lothrop
Math In The George Middle School, Tiffany D. Lothrop
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 7th grade mathematics, I investigated uses of technology in my classroom essential in teaching and learning middle school mathematics. I explored how to enhance student involvement in learning and how to use problem-solving activities to build new mathematical knowledge, to applying knowledge and to adapt a variety of appropriate problem-solving strategies to daily life, AYP and STARS standards. I discovered that about 80% of the students reported that they liked having technology used in their math classroom, and that they feel more confident when problem solving in math with the use …