Math in the Middle Institute Partnership
Date of this Version
7-2008
Abstract
In this action research study of my classroom of seventh grade mathematics, I investigated the use of non-traditional activities to enhance mathematical connections. The types of nontraditional activities used were hands-on activities, written explanations, and oral communication that required students to apply a new mathematical concept to either prior knowledge or a realworld application. I discovered that the use of non-traditional activities helped me reach a variety of learners in my classroom. These activities also increased my students’ abilities to apply their mathematical knowledge to different applications. Having students explain their reasoning during non-traditional activities improved their communications skills, both orally and in writing. As a result of this research, I plan to incorporate more non-traditional activities into my curriculum. In doing so, I hope to continue to increase my students’ abilities to solve problems. I also plan to incorporate the use of written explanations of my students’ mathematical reasoning in order to continue to improve their communication of mathematics.
Comments
Math in the Middle Institute Partnership, Action Research Project Report, in partial fulfillment of the MAT Degree. Department of Mathematics. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. July 2008.