Friday, September 14, 2012

Algebra Writing Prompts

An Approach to Writing in Math Journals

The following are thoughts that I am going to incorporate into my Algebra Class.  This model could be used for any math class after developing a prompt for each chapter. 

Writing Prompts:
Journal Prompt 1-4: Why are properties of real numbers, (Commutative, Associative Properties, and Distributive) useful?
Journal Prompt 2-2: What is the process to re-write a literal equation for a given variable?
Journal Prompt 3-2: How do I work with sets, unions, and intersections?
Journal Prompt 3-4: How is solving an equation with an absolute value similar to solving other equations?
Journal Prompt 4-5: How can I use function notation to represent the patterns in an arithmetic sequence?
Journal Prompt 5-3: How do I use slope to find the relationship between two lines?
Journal Prompt 6-2: How do I choose the best method for solving a linear system of equations?
Journal Prompt 6-3: How is graphing a linear inequality similar to graphing a linear equation?
Journal Prompt 7-3: How do the exponentiation rules help me simplify expressions containing exponents?
Journal Prompt 8-3: How do I factor polynomials?
Journal Prompt 9-2: Why are there at most 2 solutions to a quadratic equation?
Journal Prompt 10-1: Why is the Pythagorean Theorem useful?
Journal Prompt 10-2: How can I simplify radicals using the Multiplication Property of Square Roots?
Journal Prompt 11-3: How can I divide a polynomial by a binomial?
Journal Prompt 11-5: How can I solve a rational equation?
Journal Prompt 12-3: How do I classify and name angles?
Name ________________________
Journal Number
Accuracy Score
Terminology Score
Thoroughness Score
Average
1-4
2-4
3-2
3-4
4-5
5-3
6-2
6-3
7-3
8-3
9-2
10-1
10-2
11-3
11-5
12-3
Rubric for journals specific to mathematics
Journal Entries
1
2
3
4
Accuracy
Response is
not accurate
Minimal accuracy
Main ideas are accurate, but some minor
inaccuracies
Response was
accurate
Terminology
No use of terminology
Attempted, but
not used correctly or minimal use of
terminology
Some use of
terminology or a few errors in
terminology
Some use of
terminology or a few errors in
terminology
Explanation/Thoroughness
of Response
Did not cover
journal topic
Explanation is
Minimal and/or very confusing
Explanation was not thorough or
lacked clarity
Explanation was thorough, clear, and easy to understand
The points for each category will be averaged and a percentage will be assigned
using the following scale:
Total Points
Average
Percentage
12
4
100%
11
3.7
97%
10
3.3
93%
9
3.0
90%
8
2.7
87%
7
2.3
83%
6
2.0
80%
5
1.7
77%
4
1.3
73%
3
1.0
70%
2
0.7
67%
1
0.3
63%
No credit will be given if the journal is lacking in effort.
Journal #1-4 (Sample)
______ Accurate Response _______ Use of Terminology ________ Thorough/Clear/Easy to Understand
Scale for each category is 1 – 4. No credit will be given if the journal is lacking in effort.
AVERAGE: ___________
Mathematics Group Honors Algebra       Name ____________________________________
Date ___________________
Journal Prompt 1-4: Why are properties of real numbers, (Commutative, Associative Properties, and Distributive) useful?
Please respond to the journal prompt. Use complete sentences. You may also use pictures when possible. Be as thorough as possible. If you need more room, please write on the back.
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