• School Mathematics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.147-164
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• 2009

This study investigated the development of geometrical thinking levels of the under achievers at mathematics through supplementary classes according to van Hiele's learning process by stages using mathematical journal writing. We selected five under achievers at mathematics among the fourth graders. We examined their geometrical thinking levels in advance and interviewed them to collect basic data related to their family backgrounds and their attitude toward mathematics and their characteristics. Supplementary classes for the under achievers were conducted a couple of times a week during 12 weeks. Each class was conducted through five learning stages of van Hiele and journal writing was applied to the last consolidating stage. After 12th class had been finished, posttest on geometrical thinking levels was conducted and the journals written by the pupils were analyzed to find out changes in their geometrical thinking levels. The result is that three out of five under achievers showed one or two level-up in their geometrical thinking levels, though the other two pupils remained at the same level as the results by the pretest. Moreover we found that mathematical journal writing could provide the pupils with opportunities to restructure the content which they study through their class.