WHAT IS A JOURNAL ENTRY?

First of all, the journals will provide me with a glimpse into how you view the mathematics you are learning or struggling with or enjoying or….I want to know what YOU think about certain concepts or ideas in the class. Your homework will allow me to chart your progress with the skills and other such observables, but I also want you to communicate about the mathematics in writing. Sometimes you will find that pausing to think about what you are doing and putting it in writing will help you to develop as a teacher.

In your journal entry you should include :

• any responses to the questions I pose in class and ask you to include in your journal ( You should write at least 4-5 sentences for each ?)
• any struggles and/or successes you have had with the recent material
• a snapshot or temperature reading of how you feel you are doing in the class (this would be a good place to tell me if you are having trouble understanding some of the material )

In your journal entries you can include:

• any new interesting math stuff or ideas you may have encountered and want to share
• appropriate praises or criticisms regarding my teaching or your learning

You will not be graded on your grammar skills, this is not a writing class. However, try to make your responses coherent- so that you get what is in your mind onto the paper.

You will be graded on:

• timely submission of entries
• completion of entries ( must include the three items above)
• correctness of the mathematics

Remember these journals count as part of your grade along with your homework!

All entries will be posted in the journals section on our Math 130 homepage on webct.