When given opportunities to explore mathematics, make conjectures, and write about what they have discovered, students gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating subject. In this article, the author describes her successful Geometry Portfolio class. In addition to traditional student work, the author frequently added short essay questions or…

Describes how learning logs were used in a second-year algebra class to help students prepare for a review session. (MKR)

Offers suggestions for a unit on word study in geometry, including defining, recognizing, producing, and appreciating the concepts of geometry. Includes lists of terms and Greek and Latin word roots. (MKR)

Discusses the value of journal assignments for diagnosing and trouble-shooting misconceptions and for helping with lesson plans. Examples of assignments are included as well as student responses. (AIM)

Suggests using a structured feedback form to facilitate communication between teacher and students. The form has columns for assignments/tests, scores, ways to improve, strengths, and teacher's comments, plus a response column for the student's comments. (MKR)

Details the authors' investigation of journal writing in first-year algebra and unveils journal writing's connections with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics. (MKR)

Describes how the use of journal prompts is closely aligned with the use of student discourse and open-ended, open-response test items. Students can use their responses to assess their own growth, whereas teachers can use them to detect trends across and within classes regarding the progression of understanding of specific topics, concepts,…

Discusses the use of mathematics notebooks to help students organize homework, projects, and notes. Contains the notebook assignment description given to students, notebook table of contents, and notebook grading sheet. (MKR)

Promotes the use of journals, laboratory reports, and portfolios in mathematics class to improve communication between teacher and student, to monitor student progress, to make instructional decisions, and to evaluate student achievement. (MKR)

Clarifies the benefits of having students write about their understanding and dispositions toward mathematics. Discusses ways to manage journal writing and incorporate it into existing classes. Suggests 19 assignments students can respond to in their journals. (MDH)

Integrating writing into the mathematics classroom is often met with resistance by teachers. Presented are ideas to help teachers implement four forms of writing appropriate for the mathematics class: (1) logbooks; (2) journals; (3) expository writing; and (4) creative writing. Specific examples and suggestions for classroom activities for each…

An integrated curriculum geometry unit, "Beyond the Surface," is presented and built around four principles promoting students' mental connections. The principles include a significant problem context, assignment of concrete, active tasks, employing tools embodying the mathematical concept, and reflection on established connections…

Describes the use of writing to increase the effectiveness of student groupings and the use of cooperative learning to enhance students' mathematical writing. Also discusses how to use cooperative learning and writing to help students learn from assessment instruments. Includes excerpts from student journals and 16 references. (MKR)