MATH JOURNAL INDIVIDUAL

The focus of instruction in today’s classroom is no longer just about having the “right” answer but how the answer was arrived at—the process the student went through. With this in mind it is essential that written or constructed response become an important instructional practice within our classrooms, and math is no exception. Having students respond to math questions or problems, orally or in writing, require that students have an understanding of the thinking they used as they worked through any math problem. Understanding the HOW and WHY of mathematical problem-solving, not only helps students talk or write about their problem-solving, but enhances the student’s ability to understand math problems or concepts. That's the purpose behind incorporating the Math Response Journal in the classroom- it supports students in moving beyond performing the operation or algorithm and getting the right answer to thinking more like a mathematician.