• Teachers...
always encourage oral communication before asking students to write.
model writing in mathematics and provide good questions and prompts that inspire reasoning in students writing.
provide rubrics, a variety of peer writing samples, and opportunities for self assessment of students' reasoning and proving for problem solving activities.
post math word lists or create word walls.
explain purpose and audience for students writing - explain reasoning, describe procedures, keep records of what they learned, create math glossaries, and reflect on math knowledge.
provide opportunities for students to write cooperatively in partners or small groups.
Types of Writing
1 Math journal or log.
• What did you learn in math today?
• Explain a process, operation, or procedure.
• Writing a solution to a problem in words.
• Writing mathematical definitions: What is it? What is it similar to? What is an example? How is it used?
2. Problem Solving.
• Prove that your solution makes sense.
• Explain your reasoning.
• Convince me: support your reasoning with ideas about why it makes sense; not with a rule!
1 Conceptual Vs. Procedural
3 Explaining mathematical ideas.
• Write to extend thinking.
Would this problem work with different numbers?
• Support your opinion or hypothesis.
What do you think will happen if ______?
4. Attitudinal/Affective.
• How do you feel about math?
• Make a model to show me how ___? (Pictures and Diagrams are also forms of communicating/writing.)
• How well do you feel you understand the concept of ___?
• Explain (extend) the pattern you see in ___?
• Creative forms.
My best kept secret about math is. . .
When I hear someone say ‘Math is fun’, I. . .
Teacher Role – How can you help?
• Ask Why and How questions.
• Explain your own thinking (think out loud).
• Share ideas about how you solve problems.
• Make connections with literacy and real world applications.
• Display excitement- MATH is FUN and functional!
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