New Language
Mathematics is seen as complex both in its language and its concepts. Often mathematics appears to complicate easy problems rather than simplify hard ones. To help students learn new symbols and mathematical language John Gough (2007) gives three general recommendations:
- Be aware of potential confusion—for example in algebra the pronumerals are usually symbolized using letters but students often see the letters as linguistically representing a word for example 3b would be thought of as three “b”ananas or three “b”ikes rather than three “anythings”.
- Discuss new definitions and symbols with the students
- Examine the new symbols themselves rather than going straight into mathematical questions using the symbols. Focus attention on the symbol or the new mathematical language to ensure understanding of it’s purpose or definition.
REFERENCES
Gough, J. (2007) Conceptual complexity and apparent contradictions in mathematics language, The Australian Mathematics Teacher, 63(2)
