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Articles 1411 - 1440 of 4438

Full-Text Articles in Science and Mathematics Education

Rubric Assessment Of Mathematical Processes In Homework, Aubrey Weitzenkamp Jul 2008

Rubric Assessment Of Mathematical Processes In Homework, Aubrey Weitzenkamp

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 11th grade geometry, I investigated the use of rubrics to help me assess my students during homework presentations. I wanted to know more about the processes students went through as they did their homework problems, so homework presentations were implemented with the rubrics being the main form of assessment. I discovered that students are willing to speak about mathematics and can gain more understanding of mathematical processes as a result of homework presentations. The scores of the class improved after they talked about the homework assignments with each other. As a …

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Rap (Reasoning And Proof) Journals: I Am Here, Bryce Schwanke Jul 2008

Rap (Reasoning And Proof) Journals: I Am Here, Bryce Schwanke

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 5th grade mathematics, I investigated writing in a journal as formative assessment. I also investigated how elementary age students would be able to utilize the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) process standard reasoning and proof. Using the Houghton Mifflin (2005) textbook and curriculum I discovered that writing reasons and proof as a formative assessment in a mathematics journal is a good way to teach mathematics. Having students solve math problems during the closure portion of each math lesson does a good job of holding students accountable for the math …

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How Student Self-Assessment Influences Mastery Of Objectives, Jeremy John Renfro Jul 2008

How Student Self-Assessment Influences Mastery Of Objectives, Jeremy John Renfro

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 7th grade students, enrolled in Pre- Algebra (an 8th grade course), I investigated: rate of homework completion when not taken as part of the academic grade, cognizant self-assessment and its affect on mastery of objectives, and use of self-assessment to guide instruction and re-teaching of classroom objectives. I learned that without sufficient accountability homework completion rates drop with time. Similarly, students can be overconfident in their abilities but unmoved when their summative reports do not match their initial perceived formative benchmarks. Finally, due in part to our society’s reactive nature; students …

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Producing More Problem Solving By Emphasizing Vocabulary, Jill Edgren Jul 2008

Producing More Problem Solving By Emphasizing Vocabulary, Jill Edgren

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 classrooms with ninth to eleventh grade students, I investigated word problem completion while emphasizing vocabulary. A word wall was implemented along with notes organizers, vocabulary sheets, and written definition during class. Data was gathered about attempts and completion of mathematic word problems on daily assignments, quizzes, journals and tests. Through observation of student work, surveys, interviews, and in class word problem journals, I discovered that many students are least likely to do word problems on assignments, then tests, and most likely to complete word problems on a quiz. …

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Mathematical Communication, Conceptual Understanding, And Students' Attitudes Toward Mathematics, Kimberly Hirschfeld-Cotton Jul 2008

Mathematical Communication, Conceptual Understanding, And Students' Attitudes Toward Mathematics, Kimberly Hirschfeld-Cotton

Action Research Projects

This action research study of my 8th grade classroom investigated the use of mathematical communication, through oral homework presentations and written journals entries, and its impact on conceptual understanding of mathematics. This change in expectation and its impact on students’ attitudes towards mathematics was also investigated. Challenging my students to communicate mathematics both orally and in writing deepened the students’ understanding of the mathematics. Levels of understanding deepened when a variety of instructional methods were presented and discussed where students could comprehend the ideas that best suited their learning styles. Increased understanding occurred through probing questions causing students to reflect …

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Building Confidence In Low Achievers Through Building Mathematics Vocabulary, Val Adams Jul 2008

Building Confidence In Low Achievers Through Building Mathematics Vocabulary, Val Adams

Action Research Projects

In this action research study, I investigated the use of vocabulary strategies and the effectiveness of the strategies in building confidence in low achievers. My subjects were twenty-three eighth grade mathematics students. They were introduced to vocabulary activities and then were asked to use them in class through the use of note-taking graphic organizers, group class discussion, and partner work. I assessed their confidence and use of vocabulary through a pre and post survey, class work, notebook checks, and student interviews. I discovered that the use of vocabulary strategies built the confidence and increased the achievement of my students. As …

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Does Decoding Increase Word Problem Solving Skills?, Jalena J. Clement Jul 2008

Does Decoding Increase Word Problem Solving Skills?, Jalena J. Clement

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 7th grade mathematics, I investigated whether the use of decoding would increase the students’ ability to problem solve. I discovered that knowing how to decode a word problem is only one facet of being a successful problem solver. I also discovered that confidence, effective instruction, and practice have an impact on improving problem solving skills. Because of this research, I plan to alter my problem solving guide that will enable it to be used by any classroom teacher. I also plan to keep adding to my math problem solving clue words …

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Homework: Is There More To It Than Answers?, Shelly Sehnert Jul 2008

Homework: Is There More To It Than Answers?, Shelly Sehnert

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my two high school geometry classrooms, I investigated the use of homework. By changing the focus on homework away from the answers to the process involved in getting the answers, I found that students felt more confident, utilized their class time better, and placed more effort on complex problems. Their questions also became more specific and more effective for finding gaps in their understanding. As a result of this research, I plan to change my strategy in the practice of homework. I will give students the answers on multi-step problems to allow them the …

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Oral Presentation: Exploring Oral Presentations Of Homework Problems As A Means Of Assessing Homework Jul 2008

Oral Presentation: Exploring Oral Presentations Of Homework Problems As A Means Of Assessing Homework

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my freshmen Algebra I class, I investigated a method of assessing homework based on completion and presentations. When I changed the method of grading from checking answers to looking for completion and presentation of selected problems, I found that the majority of the students enjoyed the method because it allowed them to explore other methods of solving and helped them gain an understanding of the problems. This resulted in less stress on obtaining “the” answer. I also realized that I viewed homework differently and had a better understanding of the students’ thought processes, which …

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Cooperative Learning In Relation To Problem Solving In The Mathematics Classroom, Shelley Poore Jul 2008

Cooperative Learning In Relation To Problem Solving In The Mathematics Classroom, Shelley Poore

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 5th grade mathematics, I investigated cooperative learning and how it is related to problem solving as well as written and oral communication. I discovered that cooperative learning has a positive impact on students’ abilities in problem solving and their overall impression of mathematics and group work. I also found that my students’ communication skills improved in oral explanations of their work. As a result of this research I plan to continue my implementation of cooperative learning in my classroom as a general method of teaching. I also plan to continue to …

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Using Relearning Groups To Help All Students Understand Learning Objectives Before Tests, Katie Pease Jul 2008

Using Relearning Groups To Help All Students Understand Learning Objectives Before Tests, Katie Pease

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 8th grade algebra class, I investigated placing students in relearning groups based on learning objectives. A learning objective is what a learner should be able to do by the end of a learning experience. I was trying to see how this affected test scores, anxiety in the classroom and on tests, and how it affected my teaching. Overall, I discovered that the relearning groups were beneficial. Many students stated the extra practice helped them perform better and feel slightly less nervous than they originally had before a test. I did not discover the …

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Exploring The Influence Of Vocabulary Instruction On Students’ Understanding Of Mathematical Concepts, Micki Mcconnell Jul 2008

Exploring The Influence Of Vocabulary Instruction On Students’ Understanding Of Mathematical Concepts, Micki Mcconnell

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of 8th grade mathematics, I investigated the influence of vocabulary instruction on students’ understanding of the mathematics concepts. I discovered that knowing the meaning of the vocabulary did play a major role in the students’ understanding of the daily lessons and the ability to take tests. Understanding the vocabulary and the concepts allowed the students to be successful on their daily assignments, chapter tests, and standardized achievement tests. I also discovered that using different vocabulary teaching strategies enhanced equity in my classroom among diverse learners. The knowledge of the math vocabulary increased …

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Confidence In Communication: Can My Whole Class Achieve This?, Emily Lashley Jul 2008

Confidence In Communication: Can My Whole Class Achieve This?, Emily Lashley

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of Algebra 2 students, I investigated the confidence levels and communication skills of these students. I discovered that students who have higher confidence levels are comfortable in their classroom situations. The students with increased levels of confidence also have more open communication with those they respect. As a result of this research, I plan to continue with the implementation of communication skills. I will also look to next school year as a place to start executing a plan to be more available and involved in the active learning process of my students.

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Can Homework Become More Meaningful With The Inclusion Of Oral Presentations?, Emy Jones Jul 2008

Can Homework Become More Meaningful With The Inclusion Of Oral Presentations?, Emy Jones

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 7th grade math class, I investigated the inclusion of homework presentations to see if they would improve students’ attitude toward mathematics, participation, and understanding. I discovered that although the implementations of presentations into our homework routine did not drastically influence grades, or even improve attitudes (according to test grades and student surveys), a multitude of other changes surfaced. These changes consisted of an increase in discussion, a team effort among students in my class, and an overall “learning community” effect. I plan to continue to pursue presentations as a major part of my …

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Enhancing Thinking Skills: Will Daily Problem Solving Activities Help?, Julie Hoaglund Jul 2008

Enhancing Thinking Skills: Will Daily Problem Solving Activities Help?, Julie Hoaglund

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of eighth grade general mathematics students, I investigated how addressing problem solving activities each day would affect the thinking and reasoning skills of the students. I discovered that the students became more adept at problem solving as they practiced various strategies. As students justified their answers, both orally and in written form, their understanding of mathematics and its applications to the real world improved. I discovered that students worked more diligently on problems of interest to them. Also, some problems are better solved individually, and some are more geared as a group …

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Reduce Late Assignments Through Classroom Presentations, Cole Hilker Jul 2008

Reduce Late Assignments Through Classroom Presentations, Cole Hilker

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my 7th grade math class, I investigated homework presentations, to see if they would reduce the amount of late homework assignments. I did not find any significant results that weekly presentations given by students were beneficial to reduce the amount of late assignments, but found many other positive things that happened because of presentations. As a result of this research, I plan to use classroom presentations because they foster listening skills and student interaction, and promote deeper thinking.

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Homework Presentations: Are They Worth The Time?, Kacy Heiser Jul 2008

Homework Presentations: Are They Worth The Time?, Kacy Heiser

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my eighth grade mathematics classroom, I investigated the use of daily homework presentations and how they impacted students’ written and oral reasoning, students’ attitudes towards mathematics homework and students’ grades and completion of mathematics homework. I discovered that implementing daily homework presentations had no influence on students’ grades or attitudes towards mathematics homework, however students did find homework presentations useful in helping them to better understand the mathematics they were learning. Students’ written and oral reasoning were increased through daily homework presentations as well. By requiring students to not only present daily homework problems, …

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Perceptions Of Math Homework: Exploring The Connections Between Written Explanations And Oral Presentations And The Influence On Students’ Understanding Of Math Homework, Kyla Hall Jul 2008

Perceptions Of Math Homework: Exploring The Connections Between Written Explanations And Oral Presentations And The Influence On Students’ Understanding Of Math Homework, Kyla Hall

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of my fifth grade mathematics classroom, I investigated how homework presentations combined with written explanations of math homework influenced students’ understanding of math concepts and perceptions of math homework. I discovered that my students really do not like homework but they do believe that homework has a purpose. I also found that my students’ test scores were slightly higher when they had written about and presented a particular math concept. Finally, as a teacher I learned that my students can interact in a positive way and teach each other math, so I do not always …

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Reading As A Learning Strategy For Mathematics, Monte Else Jul 2008

Reading As A Learning Strategy For Mathematics, Monte Else

Action Research Projects

In this action research study of 55 sophomore and junior students in my Algebra II/Trigonometry classrooms, I investigated a reading strategy of learning mathematics. Students were given background information about reading and explored the benefits of reading for themselves. Next, students were taught to read their textbook, analyzing one section of the textbook at a time. Throughout the research project, students were given reading guides to fill out during class with whole class discussion following the reading time. I discovered that students are able to read a mathematics textbook with understanding and students who are gone for activities can learn …

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Archimedean Solids, Anna Anderson Jul 2008

Archimedean Solids, Anna Anderson

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

A polygon is a simple, closed, planar figure with sides formed by joining line segments, where each line segment intersects exactly two others. If all of the sides have the same length and all of the angles are congruent, the polygon is called regular. The sum of the angles of a regular polygon with n sides, where n is 3 or more, is 180° x (n – 2) degrees. If a regular polygon were connected with other regular polygons in three dimensional space, a polyhedron could be created. In geometry, a polyhedron is a threedimensional solid which consists of a …

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The Polar Coordinate System, Alisa Favinger Jul 2008

The Polar Coordinate System, Alisa Favinger

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

Representing a position in a two-dimensional plane can be done several ways. It is taught early in Algebra how to represent a point in the Cartesian (or rectangular) plane. In this plane a point is represented by the coordinates (x, y), where x tells the horizontal distance from the origin and y the vertical distance. The polar coordinate system is an alternative to this rectangular system. In this system, instead of a point being represented by (x, y) coordinates, a point is represented by (r, θ) where r represents the length of a straight line from the point to the …

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Mathematics And Evolution, Kacy Heiser Jul 2008

Mathematics And Evolution, Kacy Heiser

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

What is game theory and how does it apply to Evolutionary Biology? Game theory was originally developed to help portray how individuals interact with each other and it was mainly used in the economics and political science fields. This area of mathematical study came about after World War II and was developed by John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern. It wasn’t until the 1970’s that George Price and John Maynard Smith began to apply game theory to evolution in trying to predict the behavior of animals in a species. There are two main evolutionary trends we will study using game …

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Lester’S Circle, Julie Hoaglund Jul 2008

Lester’S Circle, Julie Hoaglund

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

Euclid is credited with most of the theorems in geometry textbooks today. Around 300 B.C., Euclid produced a thirteen volume publication called The Elements. These volumes include much information others had studied. Throughout history, many great mathematicians including Pasch, Hilbert, and Birkhoff have studied and tried to improve Euclidean geometry. Groups such as University of Chicago School Mathematics Project have made improvements on the Euclid’s axiomatic system.

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Precise Mathematical Language: Exploring The Relationship Between Student Vocabulary Understanding And Student Achievement, Jill Kranda Jul 2008

Precise Mathematical Language: Exploring The Relationship Between Student Vocabulary Understanding And Student Achievement, Jill Kranda

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my classroom of fifth grade mathematics, I investigate the relationship between student understanding of precise mathematics vocabulary and student achievement in mathematics. Specifically, I focused on students’ understanding of written mathematics problems and on their ability to use precise mathematical language in their written solutions of critical thinking problems. I discovered that students are resistant to change; they prefer to do what comes naturally to them. Since they have not been previously taught to use precise mathematical language in their communication about math, they have great difficulty in adapting to this new requirement. However, …

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Improving Communication About Mathematics Through Vocabulary And Writing, Kelly Georgius Jul 2008

Improving Communication About Mathematics Through Vocabulary And Writing, Kelly Georgius

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study, where the subjects were my 6th grade mathematics students, I investigated the impact of direct vocabulary instruction on their communication and achievement. I strategically implemented the addition of vocabulary study into each lesson over a four-month time period. The students practiced using vocabulary in verbal discussions, review activities, and in mathematical problem explanations. I discovered that a majority of students improved their overall understanding of mathematical concepts based on an analysis of the data I collected. I also found that in general, students felt that knowing the definition of mathematical words was important and that …

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Summarization In Math Class, Scott Eckman Jul 2008

Summarization In Math Class, Scott Eckman

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

This action research study of twenty students in my sixth grade mathematics classroom examines the implementation of summarization strategies. Students were taught how to summarize concepts and how to explain their thinking in different ways to the teacher and their peers. Through analysis of students’ summaries of concepts from lessons that I taught, tests scores, and student journals and interviews, I discovered that summarizing mathematical concepts offers students an engaging opportunity to better understand those concepts and render that understanding more visible to the teacher. This analysis suggests that non-traditional summarization, such as verbal and written strategies, and strategies involving …

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Strategies And Precise Vocabulary Knowledge: Exploring The Relationships Among Mathematics Vocabulary, Problem Solving, And Confidence, Deb Borgelt Jul 2008

Strategies And Precise Vocabulary Knowledge: Exploring The Relationships Among Mathematics Vocabulary, Problem Solving, And Confidence, Deb Borgelt

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study I focused on my eighth grade pre-algebra students’ abilities to attack problems with enthusiasm and self confidence whether they completely understand the concepts or not. I wanted to teach them specific strategies and introduce and use precise vocabulary as a part of the problem solving process in hopes that I would see students’ confidence improve as they worked with mathematics. I used non-routine problems and concept-related open-ended problems to teach and model problem solving strategies. I introduced and practiced communication with specific and precise vocabulary with the goal of increasing student confidence and lowering student …

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Attitudes, Confidence, And Achievement Of High-Ability Fifth Grade Math Students, Bradley D. Piper Jul 2008

Attitudes, Confidence, And Achievement Of High-Ability Fifth Grade Math Students, Bradley D. Piper

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of my fifth grade high-ability mathematics class, I investigated student attitudes of mathematics and their confidence in mathematics. Student achievement was compared to two different confidence scales to identify a relationship between confidence and achievement. Six boys and eleven girls gave their consent to the study. I discovered there seems to be a connection between confidence and achievement and that boys are generally more confident than girls. Most students liked math and were comfortable sharing answers and methods of solving problems with other students. As a result of this study I plan to use my …

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Mathematical Communication Within A Daily Small-Group Learning Environment, Amy L. Wilson Jul 2008

Mathematical Communication Within A Daily Small-Group Learning Environment, Amy L. Wilson

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of a fifth grade mathematics classroom, I investigate how a daily small-group learning environment influenced students’ ability to communicate their mathematical thinking in verbal and written form. I discovered that a small-group atmosphere provided more opportunities for direct instruction. I also found that the emphasis on communication helped students to articulate their thinking more clearly when they wrote and spoke of their mathematical ideas. Most students preferred to work in small groups because they appreciated the support of their peers. Students felt they were more likely to ask teammates for help when they had questions …

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Journal Writing In Mathematics: Exploring The Connections Between Math Journals And The Completion Of Homework Assignments, Cara Walz Jul 2008

Journal Writing In Mathematics: Exploring The Connections Between Math Journals And The Completion Of Homework Assignments, Cara Walz

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Master of Arts in Teaching, Summative Projects

In this action research study of sixth grade mathematics, I investigate how the use of written journals facilitates the learning of mathematics for my students. I explore furthermore whether or not these writing journals support students to complete their homework. My analysis reveals that while students do not access their journals daily, when students have the opportunity to write more about one specific problem--such as finding the relationship between the area of two different sized rectangles – they, are nevertheless, more likely to explain their thoughts in-depth and go beyond the traditional basic steps to arrive at a solution. This …

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