Mathematical Record Keeping Supports Cognition and Communication (MaRKS)

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The project conducts an exploration of elements of geometric mathematics tasks that promote students' record keeping (RK) strategies that facilitate student cognition during problem solving and aid in communication about how solutions were obtained. The project addresses three questions: (1) What features of mathematics task presentation promote record keeping that aid middle grades students cognition and communication? (2) What principles can be derived and applied for designing tasks to promote useful record keeping? (3) How does student performance differ on tasks designed with supports for record keeping versus tasks without such supports? Are there different impacts for English Language Learners (ELL) versus non-ELL students? The project uses the framework of Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) to guide the work. A variety of methods will be used in the study, including student observations and interviews, design and testing of tasks and creation of a rubric, and an experiment that uses tasks with and without RK supports, particularly noting impacts for ELL students.The study's findings has immediate relevance for mathematics instruction.