Posted by David Wetzel
Learning Math Through Writing
The advantage for students who write in math class is that they develop a greater understanding of mathematics.
Student learning of math occurs from the process of explaining mathematical concepts to others, this is where writing strategies help the process of learning.
This is where a version of an old adage fits – “If you can successfully explain the problem and process to others in writing, then you understand the math concept.”
Writing in Math Checklist
Providing students with a checklist as a math resource helps them learn how to write in mathematics.
The checklist can be easily adapted into a rubric for grading.
The checklist helps students focus on the important details required in a good math paper.
The following writing strategies are part of a recommended checklist:
Clearly State the Math Problem – do not assume the reader knows what you are talking about. Explain the problem in detail so the reader understands the problem.
Present the Answer in a Complete Sentence – the answer must stand alone. Variables must be explained and if the answer is at the end of the paper, restate assumptions made when solving the problem. Do not assume the reader remembers every detail of the problem or paper.
Clearly State Assumptions Related to Formulas – explain what assumptions were taken to solve the problem.
Read more at Writing in Mathematics
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Filed Under: Math
Posted by David Wetzel
Math Teaching Tips
It is important for students be placed in situations in which they must apply, what they are learning in mathematics, to personal experiences and situations. This helps reinforce math concepts and moves them to a level of true understanding in mathematics.
Math Teaching Tips
Real World Geometry – take students outside and have them draw pictures of all the geometric shapes they see. Then have them share after reentering the classroom.
Weekly Word Problems – once a week begin math class with a word problem students must answer related to current concepts being studied. This is a key step in learning how to develop problem solving skills.
Use Math Tradebooks – use tradebooks in connection with concept being studied, such as: Anno’s Magic Seeds, Very Hungry Caterpillar, Sir Cumference, and Grapes of Math.
GeoBoards – use geoboards for students to design their own shapes and describe them to each other using correct geometric terminology.
Additional Resources
10 Math Teaching Tips for Elementary School - Problem solving, mental math, integration of technology, interactive math websites, math games, and more are all critical to helping students understand and learn math.
Teaching Math with a Box - A hands-on, minds-on approach to teaching and learning math; students apply concepts and share their findings with classmates and others in their school.
Math Function Generator Game - Math games help students make connections within and between math concepts as they learn to problem solve outside the normal math learning context.
Writing in Mathematics - An overview is provided of the importance and why writing in math is different. A recommended checklist is provided to help students write clear math papers.
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Filed Under: Math
Posted by David Wetzel
Writing in Math
Writing in math is an excellent way to determine if students’ understand or do not understand the math they are learning about.
Allowing students to explain how they solved a math problem, how they developed a formula to solve a problem, or how they applied a math concept requires critical thinking.
Students must use the minds as they formulate a logical explanation of how they solved a math problem. Because there is always the lingering idea regarding did a student solve a math problem by rote memorization of facts or does the student truly understand the math concept.
When students write how they solved the problem using sentences or a short story, their true understanding and misconceptions become readily apparent. This is why writing in math is a useful strategy for assessing understanding of math concepts.
Checklist
Using this checklist as overall guidance will help students grasp the fundamentals of how writing in math is different than other subjects.
- Clearly restate the problem.
- State the answer in a complete sentence which stands on its own.
- Clearly state the assumptions which underlie the formulas.
- Provide a paragraph which explains how the problem will be solved.
- Clearly label diagrams, tables, graphs, or other visual representations.
Writing Prompts
Often the best way to assess students’ prior knowledge and experiences with math is to provide a situation in which they must explain a math concept or math situation. The following are a few examples of writing prompts that can be used to stimulate student thinking:
- Tips I would give a friend to solve this problem are____________, ____________, and ____________.
- Where else could you use this type of problem solving?
- What other strategies could you use to solve this problem?
- The most important part of solving a problem is____________.
- You know several ways to____________(solve an equation, add fractions, etc.) Which method is your favorite? Why?
- Write instructions for a (insert grade level here) grader to follow when (adding fractions, finding percentages, calculating averages, etc.)
- Give two examples of situations in which you have used, seen or can find the concept of ____________. OUTSIDE of this classroom.
- Write a definition in your own words of a ____________.
- Compare and contrast the terms ____________.
Resources
Writing in Math
Math Problem Solving Stories and Case Studies
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Filed Under: Math
