Date of Award/Publication

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education

Abstract

Some mathematics educators take the constructivist approach when it comes to their idea of the perfect classroom. They believe that actively engaging students in learning is the most productive means of teaching. Active learning strategies were incorporated into the Systems of Linear Equations unit in a ninth-grade Math A classroom to show that active learning strategies would motivate and engage students in the learning process, thus resulting in an enhanced understanding of the material. Strategies included a Jigsaw activity, a Carousel activity, tickets-out-the-door and various written expression assignments. Results from an in-class quiz were used as one way to measure student understanding by comparing the results to the previous year, in which active learning strategies were not used. The greatest impact of student understanding was seen through different uses of written expression.

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