Writing in Math? Why yes, of course!

Writing in math is proving to be an important component of math instruction. It is becoming increasingly important for students to learn how to communicate their thinking and to reason mathematically and abstractly.

Standards from National Council of Teachers for Mathematics (NCTM) present
5 general GOALS for all students:

1. Students should learn to value mathematics

2. Students should become confident in their ability to do mathematics. 

3. Students should become mathematical problem solvers.

4. Students should learn to communicate mathematically.

5. Students should learn to reason mathematically.

    Writing Supports Learning...

Writing adds a valuable dimension to learning by doing. When students are

writing

authentically in the classroom, it offers real-world experiences that lends itself to build

conceptual knowledge. Writing also challenges students to examine their ideas. By 

examining ideas, it develops students to reflect and gives students a deeper 

understanding of mathematics.  It also helps students become actively involved

in thinking and learning.

 

 Writing Assesses Learning...

 Writing provides insights into how students think and reason 

mathematically. It offers a true snap shot into student thinking.  Through

sharing student thinking, it gives other students various strategies when 

solving problems.  Writing provides a broader awareness of what students

understand and are able to do. It also provides communication to parents 

and allows for parents to have a better understanding in how their child is

learning.

   

Why Write in Math Class? According to 

 

a 3rd grader...

 

Ways to Write in Math Class...

 

•Writing in journals

•Writing solutions to math problems

•Writing math essays

•Writing about learning

 

 

 By incorporating writing in mathematics, teachers build students that are

mathematically confident.  When approached with a math problem, they can 

reason and communicate mathematically in order to solve the problem 

accurately and efficiently.  In the video below, you will see Patricia Heaton in the 

TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.  When asked a mathematics 

question on national TV, she completely shuts down.  She is not mathematically 

and struggles throughout the problem to think and reason abstractly and 

mathematically. Once she collaborates with Regis Philbin on solving the 

problem, she is able to figure out the answer.  By communicating and reasoning 

mathematically, students may not know the answer to every problem, but they 

can persevere and become mathematically confident .