Eighth-Grade Students' Attitudes Toward Math, Problem-Based Learning With Structured Instructional Conversation Lessons, and Writing

• In Event: 54.029 - The Role of Real-World Contexts for Learning Mathematics

Abstract

The present study explores the attitudes of eighth grade students from an urban middle school in Southern California toward math, problem-based learning with structured instructional conversation lessons and writing. Twelve students from the two eighth grade math classes were interviewed after the implementation of the problem- based learning with structured instructional conversation lessons and writing. Student responses to the 10 open-ended interview questions were coded for themes. Three themes were identified: (a) Math Was Challenging, but Student and Teacher Interaction Helped Me Learn Math the Best and Made It Enjoyable, (b) Group Work and Speaking in Class Helped Me Be Successful and Improved My Attitude Toward Math, and (c) Writing Was Challenging, But I Was Able to Improve Over Time.

Author

• Susana Ortega, Los Angeles Unified School District