The book introduces readers in the often-overlooked math-related fields to the ideas of writing-to-learn (WTL) and writing in the disciplines (WID). It offers a guide to the pedagogy of writing in the mathematical sciences, and gives theoretically grounded means by which writing can be used to help undergraduate students to understand mathematical…

Four techniques used to incorporate writing and active learning into mathematics classrooms are described. They include summary sheets, short focused writing, medium length writing, and student presentations. Examples of how each technique can be used are included. (KR)

Described are experiences for incorporating writing assignments in mathematics and computer science courses. Reports survey results from students who participated in the courses. (YP)

Describes the use of Margaret Wise Brown's "The Important Book" to involve students in writing about defining qualities and attributes of geometric shapes. (MKR)

Discusses the use of writing to enhance learning in mathematics from a conceptual development perspective. Shuell's phases of learning are described as a general model for conceptual development and subsequently matched with Britton's categories for transactional-informative writing. Sample mathematics assignments for each writing category are…

This teacher's guide was developed to help teachers improve learning by incorporating writing into mathematics instruction. The document is divided into three sections. The issue of why writing should be utilized in the mathematics classroom is addressed in the first section. The topics discussed include why students should utilize writing in…

Reports research examining the effects of writing activities on mathematics achievement. Results indicate that prewriting activities, such as modeling or prompts, are essential and that regular, systematic writing over an extended period can improve students' performance in, and attitude toward, mathematics. (15 references) (MDH)

Ninth-grade students' (n=90) responses to impromptu, in-class writing assignments were examined to evaluate students' understanding of mathematical concepts. Participating teachers benefited by seeing how students' writings may reveal misconceptions concerning mathematical concepts, skills, and generalizations. (MDH)

Analyzed survey responses of 226 mathematics teachers from 57 Australian high schools concerning the use of writing in mathematics classrooms. Findings suggested that writing is rarely used as a strategy for teaching mathematics and when it is used, its effectiveness is limited. Includes the Writing in Mathematics questionnaire. (44 references)…