Vocabulary
Vocabulary is a “powerful tool used to foster the learning of mathematics,” according to a research article called Understanding and Supporting Children’s Mathematical Vocabulary Development. The article discusses the importance of supporting vocabulary development throughout your child’s school career. There are 11 major challenges to math vocabulary development which are listed below. It is important to keep these challenges in mind when working with your child to learn math vocabulary. (NCTM, 2002)
References:
NCTM, . "Understanding and supporting children's mathematical vocabulary development." National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. NCTM, n.d. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <http://www.fredonia.edu/faculty/education/pickreign/edu640/TCM2002-10-107a.pdf
- Some words are shared by mathematics and everyday English, but they have different meanings in the two contexts
- Some mathematical words are shared with English and have comparable general comparison meanings, but the mathematical meaning is more precise.
- Some mathematical terms are found only in mathematical contexts.
- Some words have more than one mathematical meaning.
- Some words shared with other disciplines have different technical meanings in the two disciplines.
- Some mathematical terms are homonyms with everyday English words.
- Some mathematical words are related, but students may confuse their distinct meanings.
- A single English word may translate into Spanish or another language in two different ways.
- English spelling and usage have many irregularities.
- Some mathematical concepts are verbalized in more than one way.
- Students may adopt an informal term as if it is a mathematical term.
References:
NCTM, . "Understanding and supporting children's mathematical vocabulary development." National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. NCTM, n.d. Web. 27 Mar 2013. <http://www.fredonia.edu/faculty/education/pickreign/edu640/TCM2002-10-107a.pdf