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Writing in the Disciplines: How Math Fits Into the Equation
Author(s) -
Colonnese Madelyn W.,
Amspaugh Christina M.,
LeMay Steven,
Evans Kyle,
Field Kathryn
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the reading teacher
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.642
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1936-2714
pISSN - 0034-0561
DOI - 10.1002/trtr.1733
Subject(s) - argumentative , mathematics education , professional writing , psychology , exploratory research , computer science , pedagogy , epistemology , sociology , social science , philosophy
Writing is an important mode of thinking and learning for elementary students. Consistent efforts have been made to encourage discipline‐specific writing, yet defining qualities of elementary mathematical writing have historically been underdeveloped. This article offers educators a new framework that conceptualizes mathematical writing as writing to reason and to communicate mathematically. Specifically, the framework defines four types of elementary mathematical writing: exploratory, informative/explanatory, argumentative, and mathematically creative. The authors explain and explore these types and their associated purposes through classroom vignettes. Informed by existing practices in mathematics and writing, strategies are offered to support teachers in the implementation of mathematical writing.