Supporting the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics through Mathematics Journals

Theoretical Framework

The research study conducted here is based in a social constructivist framework. Constructivism is a learning theory that suggests an individual constructs meaning and knowledge through their social environment and interaction (Beck & Kosnik, 2006). Constructivist theory stresses the importance of learning being of value for the learner. Writing should be meaningful for children arousing an intrinsic need. Further, writing should be incorporated into a task that is necessary and relevant for life (Vygotsky, 1978). Mathematics lessons are occurring in classrooms each day in the forms of direct instruction, group work, pair activities, and individual work. Each individual learner is constructing meaning from these lessons and assigning their own value and understanding to the concepts presented. Journals will serve to identify the individual’s constructed meanings.