NCTM Standard: Communication
Instructional programs from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 should enable all students to--
• organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking though communication;
• communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others;
• analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others;
• use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely.
As we ask students to communicate mathematically, we are asking students to take part in a social activity that requires them to reflect on their learning. Students should frequently be asked to express their mathematical ideas, how they interpret mathematical explanations of others, and to be aware of nuances of mathematical language and notation. A variety of situations should be available to students to demonstrate their abilities to communicate their mathematical thinking including written and oral. As students progress to the secondary level, they encounter more abstract concepts and the need to utilize the formal language of mathematics more frequently. The more often students encounter the need to precisely express mathematical ideas the better they will be at communicating their mathematical thinking. As stated by NCTM, the ability to write about mathematics should be particularly nurtured across the grades.
NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics http://standards.nctm.org/document/chapter3/comm.htm
What are some ways that you ask students to communicate their mathematical thinking? In particular, do you ask students to write about mathematical concepts and connections? Can you think of/work toward integrating an individual assessment and a more social/group assessment in relation to asking students to communicate their mathematical thinking?
Forms of Communication
Oral
Students...
are encouraged to ask questions, paraphrase, or clarify ideas expressed by other classmates.
need to feel free to express ideas in a safe environment.
express their thinking using supportive vocabulary that reflects the "why, because, if, then" of their reasoning.
are asked to justify responses or solutions.
Teachers...
formulate questions that engage students and encourage discussion.
require students to use mathematical terms (vocabulary).
model the "think out loud" strategy to share their thinking in response to the problem.
model self assessment: Does the answer make sense?
Listening
• Students...
understanding is increased when students view other people's perspectives.
make additional connections to mathematical concepts through hearing other's reasoning of solutions.
are challenged to uncover a more in-depth understanding of the problem presented.
participate in cooperative group activities which encourage active listening, and
increases collaborative skills.
• Teachers...
are able to identify and address misconceptions through class discussions.
assess students' understanding of mathematical concepts.
Writing
• Students...
discuss ideas before writing - class discussion, paired, or in small groups (think-talk-plan-write).
write in mathematics by using pictures, diagrams, tables, graphs, number sentences, equations and symbols, as well as the written word.
use mathematical vocabulary to explain their thinking and present solutions.
observe and record what they believe is significant, emphasizing specific elements.
can use six-trait writing.
• Content (Ideas), Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency, Conventions