Printable FLY Math Writing Journal

Math teachers are often trying to increase two types of ratios: think and participation. Participation ratio describes the proportion of the class actively engaged in learning (ex: writing, answering questions, discussing math concepts, etc.).

Think ratio represents the depth of thinking students are doing (translating ideas to written and verbal format, building on previous ideas, developing new ideas, etc.). There are numerous strategies to increase think and participation ratio in the classroom, but this resource focuses on writing in mathematics.

For writing in math classrooms to impact student learning, students must do more than copy notes from the board. Student writing should include reflections, questions, and personal connections. Students should be allowed to develop a conceptual understanding of the mathematics by explaining their thoughts or process for solving a problem.