IMPLEMENTING JOURNAL WRITING IN A GRADE 8 MATHEMATICS CLASS

In mathematics it is vital for teachers to see how their students approach different problems and which strategies they employ to solve these equations. Combining mathematics with writing promotes students’ abilities to analyze data, compare facts, and synthesize information. Written explanations enable teachers to better evaluate students’ mathematical thinking. This can be accomplished through words, pictures, and labelled diagrams. The use of math journals is one type of formative assessment which can provide students with descriptive feedback on a regular basis so that they will gain greater confidence and experience greater success in a mathematics class.