The research article chosen for this critique was, Using Math Journals to Enhance Second Graders’ Communication of Mathematical Thinking by Kathleen Kostos and Eui-kyung Shin. The research problem implicitly expressed the view that students do not have opportunities to express mathematical thinking in regards to solving problems. Furthermore, the explanation of the problem, states in many cases, students are only given the opportunity to provide the answer and not to explain their mathematical thinking or metacognition. Thus, this research targets using mathematical communication to explain their mathematical thinking by communicating their methods using math journals. The importance of this process of expressing mathematical thinking
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Thus, the research purpose, is to use math journals, in this 2nd grade classroom, for students’ to communicate their mathematical thinking, as they solve problems, in order to improve the students’ mathematical communication so they can explain their mathematical thinking. The research question proposed was, “how the use of math journals affected the second grade students’ mathematical thinking through math communication.” (2010, pg. 224) Further insight was given through several different resources, to confirm the use of journals as a viable application to use in the research to give students the opportunity to write to communicate their mathematical thinking. One crucial point that gives this research quality is the references provided that revealed the importance of writing in regards to writing being an integral part in the math curriculum. Additionally noted, in the 2000 Principles and Standards for Mathematics, states that students’ should be able to clarify their ideas both orally and in writing. (2010, pg. 224) It was also noted the journals were a vehicle to foster growth in all ability levels, as this is an individual students’ opportunity to express how they got the answer for the teacher to …show more content…
It was noted, there have been many reviews showing the benefits of using writing in mathematics since the onset of the NCTM mathematical standards and evaluation standards in the 1990’s. Kostos documented, (2010) “For example, Marilyn Burns, wrote many articles and a book in support of math journals to explain how journal writing helps students reason and make sense of math.” (pg., 224) The quality of this reference is exhibited in the consistency and progression of this reference in terms of beginning in the 1990’s and into 2005, thus not using a single reference for an author of mathematics giving the reference more credibility in their viewpoint. Additionally, the reviews noted were also educational resources, such as Pearson Education and teachervision.com, which extends the view of using journals. (2010, 225) Also noted were references to reviews regarding the benefits of written communication from Gammil in 2006, as well as a literature review from Baxter in 2005, which covered the use of math journals. (2010, pgs. 224, 225) Therefore, covering each aspect of the question regarding the effects of math journals for students’ to communicate mathematical thinking as they solve problems. Alternately, the review from Baxter also discussed possible negative effects regarding time constraints in the classroom for students as well as teachers. (2010, pg. 225). Ultimately, the
Thus, the research purpose, is to use math journals, in this 2nd grade classroom, for students’ to communicate their mathematical thinking, as they solve problems, in order to improve the students’ mathematical communication so they can explain their mathematical thinking. The research question proposed was, “how the use of math journals affected the second grade students’ mathematical thinking through math communication.” (2010, pg. 224) Further insight was given through several different resources, to confirm the use of journals as a viable application to use in the research to give students the opportunity to write to communicate their mathematical thinking. One crucial point that gives this research quality is the references provided that revealed the importance of writing in regards to writing being an integral part in the math curriculum. Additionally noted, in the 2000 Principles and Standards for Mathematics, states that students’ should be able to clarify their ideas both orally and in writing. (2010, pg. 224) It was also noted the journals were a vehicle to foster growth in all ability levels, as this is an individual students’ opportunity to express how they got the answer for the teacher to …show more content…
It was noted, there have been many reviews showing the benefits of using writing in mathematics since the onset of the NCTM mathematical standards and evaluation standards in the 1990’s. Kostos documented, (2010) “For example, Marilyn Burns, wrote many articles and a book in support of math journals to explain how journal writing helps students reason and make sense of math.” (pg., 224) The quality of this reference is exhibited in the consistency and progression of this reference in terms of beginning in the 1990’s and into 2005, thus not using a single reference for an author of mathematics giving the reference more credibility in their viewpoint. Additionally, the reviews noted were also educational resources, such as Pearson Education and teachervision.com, which extends the view of using journals. (2010, 225) Also noted were references to reviews regarding the benefits of written communication from Gammil in 2006, as well as a literature review from Baxter in 2005, which covered the use of math journals. (2010, pgs. 224, 225) Therefore, covering each aspect of the question regarding the effects of math journals for students’ to communicate mathematical thinking as they solve problems. Alternately, the review from Baxter also discussed possible negative effects regarding time constraints in the classroom for students as well as teachers. (2010, pg. 225). Ultimately, the