Topic:
Journal writing in the High School
Grade Level Category:
7-12
Strategy:
Journals
Objective Being Assessed and/or Purposes for the Assessment:
- Relate math to sports (or other areas)
- Show understanding of a specific topic
- Students self-assess on areas needing improvement
Materials Required:
2 pocket portfolio with fasteners or other journal pages/packet
Description of the Activity:
Weekly or bi-weekly give students questions regarding current material or
a math related topic. Some successful sample questions are:
- How is math used in your favorite sport?
- Given two equations, explain at least two similarities and two differences in their graphs?
- Pick a section from this past unit/chapter and explain a concept you learned. Explain thoroughly as if you are teaching it to a friend.
Scoring Rubric:
2.0 -Answered the question completely
-Shows insight
1.5 -Answered the question but ambiguous
-Shows insight
1.0 -Question not completely answered or partially correct
-Shows some insight
0.5 - Incorrect answer
-Shows some insight
0.0 -No attempt at an answer
-No insight
Extension:
Journal questions that are not personal in nature can be exchanged with
a peer or peers and scored. This allows students to see how their explanation
compares to others.
Management Tips:
- Be very specific with your questions if you are looking for exact
information.
- If you are looking for their personal thoughts or feelings you may want to
give them a minimum amount of sentences to write.
- You need to be aware that grading them takes TIME but it's worth it!
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