Writing in Mathematics.

  We hear more and more that students need to have the ability to explain what their thinking is but writing can play a much more important part in the math classroom.

Most math teachers are not trained in writing.  We are trained in mathematical formulas and solving for unknowns.  Thus when we have to integrate writing, we try or ask the English department but they don't have a reference to writing in mathematics.

It appears there is a minimum of two types of writing.  First is writing to learn which uses short or informal writing tasks designed to help students think about key concepts and ideas.  These activities are sprinkled throughout the lesson and focus on the concept, not on proper writing techniques.  This type of writing is found in journal writing, logs, written responses, etc.

The other type of writing is referred to as writing to demonstrate knowledge in which they show what they've learned and show their understanding of concepts and ideas. This type of writing requires students to write for a specific audience using more formal language and are checked for grammer, punctuation, etc.

To turn writing into a learning experience, it should include more than just copying notes.  It should personalize the writing by asking them to reflect, ask questions, which helps them better understand the concept. 

It is best not to assume students know how to write in mathematics. There are suggestions the teacher can implement to help students learn to write for mathematics. 

1.  Explain the strategy and its purpose.  Include real life examples if possible and who the audience is.  This gives students more understanding they are not only writing because the teacher said so. 

2. Model samples of the type of writing you ask students to do.  it is important to include the type of thinking that goes into the process both before and during. 

3.  Give students a chance to practice the strategy or process in small groups before having them do it alone.

4. Provide timely feedback and have students use the feedback when they rewrite the piece. 

5. Encourage them to become more independent.

As far as strategies go, most math teachers lack knowledge of strategies, especially if they are not trained in writing or work with students who may lack mathematical vocabulary. I found this 33 page write up filled with possible strategies.  Each strategy is described with information on how it helps the student, implementation suggestions, and examples. The pfd includes 14 writing to learn strategies and three writing to demonstrate knowledge. 

Some of these strategies I've seen before but most of them I haven't so I will have several more strategies to incorporate into my teaching, especially with my lowest math group, many of whom read and write poorly.

Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.