Writing in Math Class

Writing in my mathematics class…….

Complete the following prompt.

Objectives for Today

•  Explore types of and rationale for writing in math classes

•  Share tips and samples •  Examine relationship between

vocabulary, reading, and writing •  Share writing strategies •  Discuss challenges

Standard III: Teachers Recognizes the Interconnectedness of content area/disciplines. Teachers make instruction relevant to students.

Standard IV: Teachers use a variety of methods to assess what each student has learned.

Why write in Math Class?

•  Mental journey is the same •  Takes student beyond rote and “parroting back” •  NCTM Standards on Communication •  Provides alternative way of learning •  Exposes awareness of student knowledge level

and understanding •  Expands view of mathematics

Advantages for Students

•  Helps student raise questions about new ideas

•  Allows chance for reflection on what is known

•  Allow students to construct mathematics for themselves

•  Helps student keep thoughts organized

•  Helps address issue of “math anxiety”

Writing Task Development

•  Concepts being assessed should be clearly identified for teacher and students

•  Make sure prior knowledge between students is common

•  Do not assume that students have had the same experience

Features of a Good Writing Task

•  Specific

•  Interesting and relevant

•  Related to experience

•  Clear

•  Uses age-appropriate vocabulary

Writing Types and Samples

•  Journals •  Freewriting •  Learning Logs •  Note to Teacher •  Mathographies •  Formal Writing •  Expository

Helpful-tips(n.d.).Source jeanoram.com

1. Purpose

2. Start Slow

3. Affective, Open-Ended

4. Word Limits

5. Math Concepts

Writing Prompts

1.  I’m having problems with…

2.  Number 3 was the most difficult problem

because…..

3.  When solving word problems I feel…

Sample Mathematics Concept Prompts

1.  Explain how to subtract integers. 2.  Explain how can proportional reasoning

be used to find missing values in a problem.

Expository Writing and Word Problems

•  Revelation of Conceptions and misconceptions

•  Exploration of many multiple methods and solutions

•  Authors of own ideas •  Experience creative side of mathematics

Expository Writing and Word Problems

•  Writing activities promote mathematical inquiry

•  Encourages focus on thinking

•  Students use own language

•  Words are tools for thinking

A seesaw is balanced when a:y = b: x. If a 70-lb little boy sits 29 in. from the fulcrum. How far from the fulcrum must a 50-lb little girl sit to maintain the balance?

Provide a written explanation as to the method used to solve the problem.

Writing Challenges

Vocabulary (n.d.) source teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us.gif

Vocabulary Building Strategies

Dictionary (n.d.) sourceclipare.gif

Collaborate (n.d.) source ijsolutions.jpg

Repeat (n.d.)source repeat.org

Wordwall (n.d.) source sabtarisa,j12,fk,jpg

Boy reading book (n.d.)source salon.com

Reading Strategies

Reading partners (n.d.) source calrotaract.org Games (n.d.) source google.com

Pen and inkwell (n.d) sourcecorrieblogtv.jpb Number types (n.d.) source k8accesscenter.org

School girl surrounded by math symbols (n.d.) source images.clipartof.com

Student Writing Samples

References Boy reading [online image] (n.d.).Retrieved October 27, 2009, from salon.com

http://static.open.salon.com/files/boy_reading_book1249406311.gif

Burns, M. (1995). Writing in math class. Sausalito,CA: Math Solutions Publications.

Collaborate [online image].(n.d.).Retrieved October 27, 2009, from ijsolutions.jpeg

http://www.ijsolutions.ca/naissance/images/collaborate.jpg

Countryman, J. (1992).Portsmouth, NH:Heinemann.

Dictionary [online image] (n.d.).Retrieved October 27,2009, from clipart.gif

http://clear.msu.edu/dennie/clipart/dictionary.gif

Games [online image] (n.d.).Retrieved October 27, 2009, from google.com

http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&ndsp=20&hl=en&sa=3&q=games&btnG=Search+images

Helpful-tips [online image].(n.d.).Retrieved October 26, 2009, from jeanoram.com

http://jeanoram.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/helpful-tips-297x300.jpg

http://images.clipartof.com/small/33060-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Smart-School-Girl-Surrounded-By-Math-Symbol

Repeat [online image] (n.d.). Retreived October 27, 2009, from images clipartof.com

http://www.repeatrepeat.org/repeat_stripes.jpg

References cont…

Pen and inkwell [online image].(n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2009, from corrieblog.tv.jpg

http://www.corrieblog.tv/quill_pen_and_ink_well.JPG

Number type [online image. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2009, from k8accesscenter.org

http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/images/numbertypes.gif

Reading partners [online image].(n.d.) Retrieved October 27, 2009, from calrotaract.org

http://calrotaract.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/reading_partners.jpg

School girl surrounded by math symbols [online image].(n.d).Retrieved October 27, 2009, from images.clipartof.com

Vocabulary [online image](.n.d.).Retrieved October 27, 2009, from vocabulary.gif

http://teachers.greenville.k12.sc.us/sites/akhaynes/Icons/la_vocabulary.gif

Wordwall [online images] (n.d.).Retrieved October 27, 2009, from santarosa.k12.fl.us.jpg

http://www.santarosa.k12.fl.us/reading/images/hallway_wall.jpg

NAEP Questions Tool

•  Released questions from NAEP for grades 4, 8 and 12

•  Highlights student responses and student performance data

Access it today for FREE at: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/accountability/policies/naep/5

North Carolina NAEP Coordinator: Iris L. Garner, Ph.D. igarner@dpi.state.nc.us

Year Who Can Apply Nomination Deadline

Application Deadline

2009 Elementary Teachers Grades K - 6

April 1, 2010 May 1, 2010

2010 Secondary Teachers Grades 7 - 12

April 1, 2011 May 1, 2011

www.paemst.org

Presidential Awards for Excellence in

Mathematics and Science Teaching

General Purpose of MSP

To improve academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by strengthening the quality of mathematics and science instruction

To encourage partnerships between institutions of higher education and high-needs schools

Partnerships must include

•  An institution of higher education science, technology, engineering, or mathematics department (STEM) at 2 or 4 year institutions.

AND •  A high-need local educational agency- district,

school

•  RFP-Sept 2009 http://math.ncwiseowl.org/resources/

• Proposals Due: January 22, 2010

•  Everly Broadway, State Program Coordinator Ebroadway@dpi.state.nc.us

Mary Russell mrussell@dpi.state.nc.us

Contact Information

Website:

http://math.ncwiseowl.org/home/