improving mathematics problem solving through written.pptVIP

Improving Mathematics Problem Solving Through Written Explanations Report on action research project by Janet Schlattmann My Background Alliance Middle School 7th grade math 8th grade algebra 23 years teaching-17 in Alliance Grades 7-8 currently Grades 7-12 in the past 100 students in 7th grade 12 students in SWS and 14 in regular 7th grade class in my study Problem of Practice Low problem solving scores on Terra Nova No confidence in problem solving Difficulty explaining answers or thinking NCLB requirement District’s math goal NCTM process standards of communication, reasoning, and problem solving Literature Review Kjos and Long, 1994 Millard, Oaks and Sanders, 2002 Ishi, 2002 Jurdack,1998 Pugalee, 2001 Research not found Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine the effects on low achieving students as well as other students of using written explanations and /or representations of thinking and reasoning in mathematical problem solving. Question and Methods 1. What is the effect of students expressing their thinking and reasoning through writing/representation in math problem solving on their ability to solve problems? Pretest and Post test of problem solving scored with a rubric on concepts and computation. Schools scores from District problem solving assessments (previous year and this year). Scores on problem solving assignments given during research time frame Question and Methods 2. How will student attitudes about themselves as problem solvers change when written communication is used? Attitude survey at beginning and end Observations kept as a journal Interviews Question and Methods 3. What is the effect on students’ ability to communicate their thinking when written communication is used? Pretest and post test scored with rubric on explanation and representation. Teacher observation and journal Scores of problem solving assignments scored with explanation and representation. Question and Methods 4. How will low achieving st