Effects of integrating writing with mathematics on students' mathematical learning through problem solving

Keywords

Mathematics -- Study and teaching, Problem-solving journals, Transactional writing experiences, Mathematical explanation skills, Second-grade students, Mathematics self-efficacy

Abstract

This study examines the effects of integrating writing with mathematics in relation to students' problem-solving abilities, mathematical communication skills, and their attitudes and performance in mathematics in a class of eighteen second-grade students, within a southeastern school setting. This study integrated transactional writing experiences during problem-solving activities, where students were required to explain their problem-solving strategies through written and illustrated explanations. Students used writing to explain problem-solving strategies through problem-solving journals, group actiyities, and partner projects. Students demonstrated substantial improvements in their abilities to explain their problem-solving strategies and a slight improvement in their problem-solving abilities. This study shows that by engaging students in authentic, meaningful writing experiences, students were not able to only improve their problem­solving abilities, but also feel more confident in their own abilities in mathematics. As students' problem-solving abilities and communication skills improved, students became more actively engaged during problem solving activities. This study supports integrating writing throughout the mathematics classroom to develop students' ability to solve problems and communicate about mathematics .

Notes

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Graduation Date

2003

Advisor

Dixon, Juli K.

Degree

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

College

College of Education

Department

Teaching and Learning Principles

Format

PDF

Pages

68 pages

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0029111

Subjects

Dissertations; Academic -- Education; Education -- Dissertations; Academic; Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary)--Research; Problem solving in children--Study and teaching (Elementary); Writing--Study and teaching (Elementary); Mathematics--Study and teaching (Elementary)--Psychological aspects; Written communication--Study and teaching (Elementary)

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