What is the Purpose of Journal Writing in Mathematics?

The prospect of journal-writing during math may bring sighs of discontent, as students wonder why they should need to write about math. However, once they get started, they do not usually protest too much, and the benefits are worth a bit of complaining. Journal writing need not be lengthy, time-consuming or perfect to be extremely useful as a learning tool in mathematics.

Reinforcing Learning

To write about math, a student must think about the concepts he just learned. When he puts those thoughts into his own words and communicates them to others, learning is reinforced.

Peer Tutoring

Have students share math journals with other students. As a student explains to another what she has learned, both students benefit from hearing the concept explained differently.

Parent Communication

The math journal can be a communication tool for parents as well. Send the journal home with a request that students explain to parents what they have been learning in math.

Resource Building

As students add writings about new concepts to their journals, they build a resource for themselves that they can look back on when they forget how to complete a problem.

Check Understanding

The journal becomes a valuable tool when used as a way to check comprehension. After reading through a student's journal writing, a teacher knows if that student has a grasp on the relevant concept.

Resources

• Reasons to write about math