Skip to main content
Log in

Perspectives on writing activities in the mathematics classroom

  • Article
  • Published:
Mathematics Education Research Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Mathematics educators around the world have been addressing ways of using writing as a tool in mathematics classes. However there has been little systematic effort to establish a paradigm examining the effectiveness of particular activities. In this study, clinical methods were used to examine the effects of using certain writing activities. Prewriting, such as modelling or prompts, was seen to be essential. Regular, systematic writing over an extended period improved the students’ performance in, and attitude towards, mathematics. Such promising results from classrooms will need to be validated under more generalisable conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Boomer, G. (1986). From catechism to communication: Language, learning and mathematics.Australian Mathematics Teacher, 42, 2–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davison, D. M., & Pearce, D.L. (1988a). Using writing activities in junior high mathematics texts.School Science and Mathematics, 88, 493–499.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davison, D.M., & Pearce, D.L. (1988b). Using writing activities to reinforce mathematics instruction.Arithmetic Teacher, 35, 42–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Del Campo, G., & Clements, M.A. (1987a).Manual for the professional development of teachers of beginning mathematicians. Melbourne: Association of Independent Schools of Victoria/Catholic Education Office of Victoria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Del Campo, G., & Clements, M.A. (1987b).Children hearing, watching, reading, writing, talking, drawing, imagining, acting out, practising and creative mathematics. Paper presented at the Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia, Townsville.

  • Del Campo, G., & Clements, M.A. (in press). Expanding the modes of communication in mathematics classroom.Journal fur Mathematik-Didaktik.

  • Ellerton, N.F. (1986a). Children’s made-up mathematics problems — A new perspective on talented mathematicians.Educational Studies in Mathematics, 17, 261–271.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ellerton, N.F. (1986b). Mathematics problems written by children.Research in Mathematics Education in Australia. December, 32–44.

  • Evans, C.S. (1984). Writing to learn in math.Language Arts, 61, 828–835.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fennell, F., & Ammon, R. (1985). Writing techniques for problem solvers.Arithmetic Teacher, 33, 24–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce, D.L., & Davison, D.M. (1988). Teacher use of writing in junior high mathematics classrooms.School Science and Mathematics, 88, 6–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reuille-Irons, R., & Irons, C.J. (1989). Language experiences: A base for problem solving. In P. R. Trafton & A. P. Schulte (Eds.),New directions in elementary school mathematics (pp.85–98). Reston: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, J.G. (1983). Mathematics students have a right to write.Arithmetic Teacher, 30, 16–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stempien, M, & Borassi, R. (1985). Students’ writing in mathematics: Some ideas and experiences.For the Learning of Mathematics, 5, 14–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Way wood, A. (1989). Mathematics and language: Reflections on students using mathematics journals. In R. P. Hunting (Ed.),Language issues in learning and teaching mathematics (pp. 123–139). Bundoora: La Trobe University School of Education.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Davison, D., Pearce, D. Perspectives on writing activities in the mathematics classroom. Math Ed Res J 2, 15–22 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217209

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03217209

Keywords

Navigation