The implementation of mathematics journals in the science classroom to raise student achievement in science classes

Abstract

Concern about student achievement on lab reports and assessments and the lack of confidence in their abilities to collect and analyze data has led to my primary focus question for my action research project: Why do students have difficulty using skills taught in math class in science class? Also, I would like to investigate the following subquestions to improve my teaching methods: Will student grades improve through communication using math journals to reflect on problem solving? Would communication with me and their peers about where they are having difficulty solving problems improve using math journals? Would students feel more confident using their math skills in the science classroom to complete lab reports after using the math journals?