Improving Vocabulary in Math

Vocabulary plays an important part in the math class because if a student does not understand the meanings, they will struggle.  Unfortunately, just copying out the definitions doesn't mean much because copying does not require students to really think about the meaning.  It is much more effective if they can define it in their own words.

There are many ways to help students learn vocabulary other than by copying words and their definitions.

One way is to create a word wall with examples of what it is and is not, a picture, and a definition in their own words.  Students create everything to go with the word.  The words on the word wall can then be used in different activities such as creating statements about the words that students have to decide if they are true or false.  Or make statements using always, sometimes, or never such as "two odd numbers added together make an even number."  which would be always.

A similar activity is to have student go on a word hunt looking for the words in a specific part of the book as a pre-reading strategy.  They look at the word, decide if they understand it or if it needs to be clarified.  If they need more info on it, they can add it to their questionable list.

Have students create vocabulary cards with the word on one side and place the definition and a picture on the other side.  All students use the same word list.  Once everyone has a card done for each word, divide students into two groups.  One group makes a circle while the other group forms a circle on the inside facing the other group.  The outer group holds up a word for. the other person to define, then the inside group chooses a different word and shows the definition for them to come up with the word.  The groups move so each person has a new partner, repeating the process.

Always discuss the multiple meanings of words such as product.  It is always a good idea to have students brainstorm meanings for the words and then discuss all the meanings within their proper contexts so students understand them better.  This is especially important if you are dealing with English Language Learners because it helps build a better language foundation.

Have students find places outside of school where the words are used.  They just can't say they saw it, they have to provide proof.  So if they see a sale poster offering something at a 35% discount, they could take a picture of it and share it with the class or email it to the teacher.  This gives them a chance to see the math used outside of the classroom.

Pass out stacks of vocabulary words to groups of students and let them divide them into categories.  Once they are done, they explain how they divided up the words and the categories they used to classify the words.  This way, there is no one right way and it allows students a chance to use higher order thinking skills.

Give each student a vocabulary word and let them create a cartoon with the definition, picture, examples and non examples.  Create a digital version with all of the cartoons to share so everyone has all the cartoons.

Final advice is to always use the vocabulary in the class so students get used to hearing it in context.  It does not help to have students learn the mathematical terms if you are not going to use them in class.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.