In this thesis, I describe how interactive journal writing was used to improve the understanding of mathematics, and to foster communication with two groups of remedial grade ten students. Mathematics is a gatekeeper course in high school, and students who are not successful with this subject are at a distinct disadvantage, both in terms of their education and in their future careers. A persistent source of difficulty for these students is related to language; students often struggle both to understand what is being taught, and how to explain concepts or problem solutions in their own words. Interactive journal writing was initiated as a means of addressing this situation, and of meeting the objectives proposed by the Quebec Education Plan, which specifies three closely related competencies: (1) solve situational problems; (2) use mathematical reasoning; (3) and communicate by using mathematical language. There is ample proof in the research literature that communication plays an important role in supporting learners by helping them clarify, refine and consolidate their thinking. / This study demonstrates the importance of allowing and encouraging students to use writing as part of their learning processes. By writing about what they are being taught, students are forced to slow down, examine and reflect on the steps they use to solve problems. Sharing what they write promotes meaningful dialogue and personal engagement, essential ingredients of successful learning.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.81477 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Alleyn, Suzanne |
| Publisher | McGill University |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Coverage | Master of Arts (Department of Educational Studies.) |
| Rights | All items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated. |
| Relation | alephsysno: 002182621, proquestno: AAIMR06494, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest. |
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