Why build vocabulary in mathematics? The relationship between vocabulary knowledge and achievement has been validated by research. Direct teaching of vocabulary builds essential prerequisite knowledge.
The most difficult content-area reading is in mathematics because... There are more concepts per word There are more concepts per sentence There are more concepts per paragraph (Schell, 1982)
Research in a nutshell All students need and benefit from direct vocabulary instruction. (Gunning, 2003; Vacca, Vacca, Cove, Burkey, Lenhart, & McKeon, 2003)
Research in a nutshell Any intervention for the achievement of students should identify increasing students content vocabulary knowledge through direct instruction as a leading priority. (Marzano, 2004)
Why are students confused? Some words are shared by a content area and everyday English, but have different meanings Some words have more than one meaning in mathematics Some words are related, but students confuse their meanings
Why are students confused? Some words are shared by a content area and everyday English, but have different meanings: mean prime pound yard
Daddy says there are three feet in a yard.
The teacher said there are 100 centimeters in a meter.
Dad went car shopping and bought a Geo Prism.
My teacher says the Earth is like a giant sphere.
My teacher said we needed to find the volume of the cereal box.
Mom says a rectangular prism has 6 faces.
Why are students confused? Some words have more than one meaning in mathematics: square round degree second
Why are students confused? square or 2 2 = 4 round or 243 rounds to 240 degree measure of temperature or measure of an angle second ordinal number or unit of time
Why are students confused? Some words are related, but students confuse their meanings: numerator and denominator area and perimeter factor and multiple
Why are students confused? Factor Multiple The factors of 6 = 1, 2, 3, 6 The multiples of 6 = 0, 6, 12, 18, 24,...
Why are students confused? Perimeter Area The perimeter is the distance around a figure. The area is the number of square units inside a figure.
More Research Frequent encounters with vocabulary terms lead to deeper meaning. (Beck, McKeown, & Kucan, 2002 and Nagy, 2005)
Recommendations Students must be exposed to a word about six times to adequately learn a new word in context. (Jenkins, Stein, Wysocki, 1984) Words should be used in meaningful context between ten and fifteen times. (Allen, 1999)
Research to Action: Systematic Vocabulary Instruction Essential content vocabulary for each grade level/content area should be identified. Teachers need to plan and use a variety of strategies and activities to teach, review, and reinforce vocabulary. Students need to participate in engaging activities that extend the meaning of essential content vocabulary.
Research to Action: Systematic Vocabulary Instruction Essential content vocabulary for each grade level/content area should be identified.
Math Vocabulary Strategies Wheel A helpful resource for teachers Faces show 100 identified math vocabulary words for each grade level Windows show suggested strategies
Math Vocabulary Strategies Wheel Categories of strategies include: Auditory Experiences Tactile/Kinesthetic Experiences Visual Experiences Writing in Math Reading in Math Word Relationships
Math Vocabulary Strategies Wheel Categories of strategies include: Problem Solving Assessment Using Graphic Organizers Ongoing Reinforcement Learning Environment Questioning
Research to Action: Systematic Vocabulary Instruction Teachers need to plan and use a variety of strategies and activities to teach, review, and reinforce vocabulary.
Vocabulary Adventure Card Sets Contain 200 cards with math vocabulary terms and their meanings Provide pictorial representation of the term (when appropriate)
Vocabulary Adventure Card Sets Includes Word Play book containing approximately 100 games and activities for reinforcing math vocabulary
Research to Action: Systematic Vocabulary Instruction Students need to participate in engaging activities that extend the meaning of essential content vocabulary.
Vocabulary Adventure Enhances mathematics vocabulary development through critical thinking Provides engaging problem solving activities Promotes comprehension with math journal prompts Complements any math program
Future Webinars on Vocabulary Strategies for Mathematics Using Learning Styles to Reinforce Math Vocabulary (Thursday, November 12, 2009) Building the Meaning of Math Terms Through Word Relationships (Thursday, November 19, 2009)
For more information on upcoming webinars, products, or ordering options visit mentoringminds.com or call us at 800-585-5258. Email questions, suggestions, or comments to: info@mentoringminds.com.