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Full-Text Articles in Education
The Importance Of Teaching Students How To Read To Comprehend Mathematical Language, Tricia Buchanan
The Importance Of Teaching Students How To Read To Comprehend Mathematical Language, Tricia Buchanan
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th and 9th grade Algebra I students, I investigated if there are any benefits for the students in my class to learn how to read, translate, use, and understand the mathematical language found daily in their math lessons. I discovered that daily use and practice of the mathematical language in both written and verbal form, by not only me but by my students as well, improved their understanding of the textbook instructions, increased their vocabulary and also increased their understanding of their math lessons. I also found that my students remembered …
The Effects Improving Student Discourse Has On Learning Mathematics, Lindsey Thompson
The Effects Improving Student Discourse Has On Learning Mathematics, Lindsey Thompson
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my 8th grade mathematics classroom, I investigated how improving student discourse affects learning mathematics. I conducted this study because I wanted to give students more opportunities to develop and share their ideas with their peers as well as with me. My idea was to create a learning environment that encouraged students to voice their opinions. In order to do so, I needed to reassure and model with my students that they were in a classroom where it was safe to take risks, and they should feel comfortable sharing their ideas. By facilitating activities for …
Effects Of Self-Assessment On Math Homework, Diane Swartzlander
Effects Of Self-Assessment On Math Homework, Diane Swartzlander
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my eighth grade differentiated Algebra students, I investigated the effects of students using self-assessment on their homework. Students in my class were unmotivated and failed test objectives consistently. I wanted students to see that they controlled their learning and could be motivated to succeed. Formative assessment tells students how they need to improve. Learning needs to happen before they can be assessed. Self-assessment is one tool that helps students know if they are learning. A rubric scoring guide, daily documentation sheet and feedback on homework and test correlations were used to help students monitor …
Calculators In The Classroom: Help Or Hindrance?, Christina L. Sheets
Calculators In The Classroom: Help Or Hindrance?, Christina L. Sheets
Action Research Projects
In a world where technology is ever present and ever changing, is too much technology at too young of an age detrimental to a child’s educational success? The purpose of this paper is to share the results of a four-month study that focused on the use of calculators in grade eight. This study was conducted in an eighth grade class, in a small kindergarten through twelfth grade school. This paper will share the findings of a study of a classroom in which calculator use was limited and mental computation was emphasized. The main focus of this study was whether or …
Improving Students’ Story Problem Solving Abilities, Josh Severin
Improving Students’ Story Problem Solving Abilities, Josh Severin
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics students, I investigated if learning different problem solving strategies helped students successfully solve problems. I also investigated if students’ knowledge of the topics involved in story problems had an impact on students’ success rates. I discovered that students were more successful after learning different problem solving strategies and when given problems with which they have experience. I also discovered that students put forth a greater effort when they approach the story problem like a game, instead of just being another math problem that they have to solve. An …
Understanding The Mathematical Language, Carmen Melliger
Understanding The Mathematical Language, Carmen Melliger
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my calculus classroom consisting of only 12th grade students, I investigated activities that would affect a student’s understanding of mathematical language. The goal in examining these activities in a systematic way was to see if a student’s deeper understanding of math terms and symbols resulted in a better understanding of the mathematical concepts being taught. I discovered that some students will rise to the challenge of understanding mathematics more deeply, and some will not. In the process of expecting more from students, the frustration level of both the students and the teacher increased. As …
Pre-Reading Mathematics Empowers Students, Stacey Aldag
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
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
“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
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
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
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 The Effectiveness Of Independent Practice With Corrective Feedback, Greg Vanderbeek
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
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
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
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
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
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 …
Cooperative Learning As An Effective Way To Interact, Gary Eisenhauer
Cooperative Learning As An Effective Way To Interact, Gary Eisenhauer
Action Research Projects
In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the effects of students’ interactions while cooperatively learning in groups. I discovered that in order to be cooperative, a lesson must be well-defined, open for discussion, and have positive face-toface interaction. The cooperative learning groups should be teacher generated rather than student-selected. When done correctly, cooperative learning tends to promote student relationships, more positive attitudes toward mathematics and the teacher, and greater self-confidence in a student’s mathematics abilities. As a result of this research, I plan to better incorporate cooperative learning into the classroom. Students will …