Welcome back!!
This weeks post will be about Mathematical Vocabulary.When teaching mathematics, it is common to tell students that math has a vocabulary of its own. The common issue I see when students are discussing work in math is their ability to use the correct math vocabulary to make their point.
Todays post aligns with the Math Practice 6 (MP.6)
MP.6: Attend to Precision
MP.6: Attend to Precision
Mathematically proficient students try to communicate precisely to others. They try to use clear definitions in discussion with others and in their own reasoning. They state the meaning of the symbols they choose, including using the equal sign consistently and appropriately. They are careful about specifying units of measure, and labeling axes to clarify the correspondence with quantities in a problem. They calculate accurately and efficiently, express numerical answers with a degree of precision appropriate for the problem context. In the elementary grades, students give carefully formulated explanations to each other. By the time they reach high school they have learned to examine claims and make explicit use of definitions.
Here is a fun activity that can be done in the classroom to assist with building students ability to understand how to use mathematical vocabulary:
QUIZ QUIZ TRADE!!
Quiz, Quiz Trade is a cooperative learning activity from Kagan Publishing and Professional Development
It is a activity that can be used all subject areas. Here is how it can be used for mathematics and mathematical vocabulary
Step 1: Create Questions
*Example:
Vocabulary Word
Definition
Step 2: Pair Up
Have students use stand up/ hands up and pair up method to find a partner
*Instructions for Stand Up, Hand Up, Pair Up
Partner A holds up the flash card with the Math Vocabulary word to show Partner B the question. Partner B answers. Partner A praises if correct or coaches if incorrect. They switch roles and Partner B asks Partner A the next question (another vocabulary word).
Step 3: Hands Up
After thanking each other and switching cards, Partner A and B raise their hands to find a new partner and repeat the process for an allotted amount of time.
Sample Template for Vocabulary Cards
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Definition:
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Vocabulary Word:
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Vocabulary Word:
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Video example of QUIZ, QUIZ, TRADE in action
Reflection:
What I learned from this cooperative learning activity is how to expand my classroom, beyond the normal vocabulary learning techniques. I see many opportunities for students to become engaged and learn while having fun. In order for students to be more effective communicators in mathematical discussion, vocabulary needs to be understood. Fun activities like this can be the catalyst for better discussion in math class.
Maalik, this is awesome! What a great point about the vocabulary. It is so often overlooked but it should be discussed as much as the mathematics themselves! I also loved the stand up, hand up, pair up strategy. I'll definitely be using that.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! I am trying to encourage my students to use the correct mathematical language and to clearly explain their reasoning in their short answer responses. This is a great, engaging, and interactive way to review those words. I will definitely be incorporating this in my classroom as my students accumulate more mathematical concepts. Perhaps I will try this with polygons and 3D shapes and turning it into a “guess who” style game. One student will describe a shape using it’s attributes such as right angles, parallel slides, number of sides, and number of vertices. Thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteGreat peer feedback. Who posted this?
DeleteMaureen (hopefully this is the last one!)
DeleteHi Maalik! I really enjoyed this engaging blog post! The different mediums you included were great and clearly helpful to your peers re: the comments above! Great work! -Marlee
ReplyDelete