Using Journals in Elementary Mathematics: Writing and Representing for Understanding

The goal of Using Journals in Elementary Mathematics is to provide elementary teachers with practical tools and ideas for successfully implementing math journals in their own classrooms. This book also looks at how using journals in elementary mathematics education is beneficial and how it enhances teaching and learning in math. Students who record their thinking in writing and representations – specifically in written language, or using drawings and symbols – enhance and deepen their learning in elementary mathematics. Using Journals in Elementary Mathematics is intended to assist teachers in developing mathematical confidence in their students, to support math instruction, and deepen learning by providing a structure for using journals as part of everyday math. Using Journals in Elementary Mathematics is organized into three sections: Part 1 focuses on issues in elementary mathematics education. This section should be read as a background for understanding the research supporting the use of writing and visual representations in elementary mathematics. Part 2 discusses what a math journal is, introducing a detailed and practical model for implementing the use of journals in math. Part 3 provides additional models and resources for implementing math journals in elementary classrooms. Success for students in math certainly includes the knowledge of how math works and best ways to find answers. But success in the future with math also demands students look at problems critically, be able to effectively communicate their knowledge, and make real-world connections across disciplines. There are a variety of reasons some students might find math difficult. Some don’t see the purpose of using math or any real world connections and so they do not develop an interest. Other students move on to higher math levels or concepts without mastering or understanding the foundation required as they learn how it works. Some individuals are labeled as poor math students and give up entirely. This book provides a way that students can develop their mathematical thinking using a method that engages students in problem solving, representing their thinking, and reflecting on their own learning.