The Language of Mathematics: The Importance of Teaching and Learning Mathematical Vocabulary

Paul J. Riccomini; Gregory W. Smith; Elizabeth M. Hughes; Karen M. Fries

doi:10.1080/10573569.2015.1030995

The Language of Mathematics: The Importance of Teaching and Learning Mathematical Vocabulary

Paul J. Riccomini, Gregory W. Smith, Elizabeth M. Hughes, Karen M. Fries

Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

127 Scopus citations

Abstract

Vocabulary understanding is a major contributor to overall comprehension in many content areas, including mathematics. Effective methods for teaching vocabulary in all content areas are diverse and long standing. Teaching and learning the language of mathematics is vital for the development of mathematical proficiency. Students’ mathematical vocabulary learning is a very important part of their language development and ultimately mathematical proficiency. This article draws on current research-based evidence to (a) provide a rationale for teaching vocabulary, (b) offer a review of research that supports the importance of teaching mathematics vocabulary, and (c) describe specific strategies for teaching mathematics vocabulary. It also addresses implications and the need for future research.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	235-252
Number of pages	18
Journal	Reading and Writing Quarterly
Volume	31
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/10573569.2015.1030995
State	Published - Jul 3 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Education
Linguistics and Language

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10.1080/10573569.2015.1030995

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The Language of Mathematics: The Importance of Teaching and Learning Mathematical Vocabulary

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