Examines the various issues surrounding the implementation of journal writing in an undergraduate linear algebra course. Identifies the benefits of incorporating journal writing into an undergraduate mathematics course, which are supported with students' comments from their journals and their reflections on the process. Contains 14 references.…

Provides examples of geometry writing projects and discusses goals and difficulties of using these projects. Explores the process of grading and allowing student revisions of these projects by using a time-saving grading method. (Author/ASK)

Mathematics faculty around the United States are using writing assignments in a variety of ways. A mathematics teacher at Alma College, Michigan, has students write mathematical autobiographies, keep a reading logbook, and write letters to other students about the course, letters to instructors about the topics, or about what they do not…

Examines the writing of two groups of students in a college-level calculus class to identify criteria that discriminate successful versus unsuccessful writers in mathematics. Discusses results from the mathematics writers' checklist and methods for its use as an instructional and assessment tool in the classroom. (Author/KHR)

In-class writing assignments using such techniques as non-thought warmups, lead-sentences, completion, rewording, and wordbanks (write a paragraph using a given list of words), and debriefing can be used on a regular basis in the content areas without decreasing time spent on content and without increasing the time spent grading papers. The…

Describes the specific courses in a sequence along with how the writing has been implemented in each course. Provides ideas for how to efficiently handle the additional paper load so students receive the necessary feedback while keeping the grading time reasonable. (Author/ASK)

Describes the use of formal writing and speaking in upper level geometry and analysis courses. Includes student journals, students reviewing written proofs with a student writing associate, and simulated conferences. Includes a 16-item list of possible topics. (Author/MKR)

Writing has a place in mathematics classes. It can be used to enhance learning by helping students organize their thoughts. How a journal can be used and analyzed are discussed. (MNS)

Describes how constructing concept maps and writing accompanying interpretive essays can be used in a Calculus I course to improve students' understanding of important concepts and help teachers assess students' knowledge. This combined approach allows students to explicitly communicate their knowledge and a chance to view mathematics as a…

Discusses the complexities of work with elementary teachers who attempted to integrate literacy and mathematics instruction in their classrooms. Presents a study that involves three interwoven components: constructivist principles, collaborative graduate work, and a literacy and mathematics study. Sees both literacy and mathematics as languages…

Explains how writing in notebooks, reading textbooks, and homework assignments can be turned into learning strategies in a mathematics classroom and how the combination of the three reflects a comprehensive method for studying. Includes an example of a learning guide on variables and operations. (MKR)

Discusses students' writing in mathematics, focusing on (1) creating stories; (2) writing mathematical essays; (3) expressing feelings and beliefs about mathematics through diaries and anecdotes; and (4) the use of dialogs. The strategies considered have been used at the high school and remedial college levels. (JN)

Revisions of a mathematics textbook for nonmajors made by mathematics and mathematics education majors as part of a writing in mathematics course were reviewed by a mathematician and a writing expert to determine how these two groups perceive their audience. Comparison of the reviews indicate that mathematics writers should recognize students'…

This publication focuses on the work of one bright but math avoidant student in a writing seminar in mathematics. The introductory portion of the document explains the philosophy, goals, and activities of the seminar. The course is intended to provide opportunities for students in the humanities to experience mathematics as a discipline at once…

This document argues that qualitative graphing is an effective introduction to mathematics as a construction for communication of ideas involving quantitative relationships. It is suggested that with little or no prior knowledge of Cartesian coordinates or analytic descriptions of graphs using equations students can successfully grasp concepts of…