Math-Ese Workshop Whats the Problem?? May 30, 2006 A television - PDF document

Math-Ese Workshop What’s the Problem?? May 30, 2006 A television personality made the following comments about NBA basketball player John Stockton: “Who is more unique than a John Stockton? Vocabulary Development A 40-year-old point guard who gives 110% every night! Most 40-year-olds are & sitting in their rocking chairs with a cold Assimilation Strategies one right now—not out on the court setting countless back screens on guys twice their sizes and half their ages…he’s one of the greatest players in the history Dr. Pauline Hodges and Mrs. Shawna Lyle of the game.” Morphology and Etymology Things to Think About… to Improve Understanding � Word Histories � Why do students have difficulty learning mathematics vocabulary? � What are the best ways to develop students’ understanding of mathematics terminology? 1

Negotiating the Structural Analysis Language of Mathematics � Common English words with special math � Word Study definitions � Technical mathematical words � Need to understand concepts embedded within other concepts � Varied use and large number of math symbols, graphics and systems � Conceptual density of mathematics texts Vocabulary List Verbs and Symbols � Taxonomy by grade levels � What is the action? � Who teaches what and when 2

Vocabulary Development Nouns and Concepts Strategies � What is the meaning in specific terms? � Use these with the kiddos! � Gets the students thinking about learning math vocabulary � Students are ACTIVELY building and assimilating math vocabulary Some Math Vocabulary Concept Circles Development Strategies: � Concept Circles** � Student VOC Strategy � Concept Definition � Verbal & Visual Word Mapping Association** � Frayer Model** � Word/Number Sort � List-Group-Label � Concentration � Semantic Feature � Cue Cards** Analysis** � Number Cubes � Semantic Mapping � Keeping a Journal � Taxonomies** � Venn Diagrams 3

Frayer Model Semantic Feature Analysis Essential Characteristics Nonessential Characteristics Examples Nonexamples Semantic Mapping Example Taxonomies 4

Verbal & Visual Cue Word Association Cards Vocabulary term: Visual Representation: Definition: Personal Association: 100 NO EXCUSE LIST Others? Let’s Brainstorm! of Math Terms 5