Literacy Strategies for Improving Mathematics Instruction

By Joan M. Kenney, Loretta Heuer, Cynthia L. Tuttle, et al.

Book Overview

What makes mathematics so confusing to students? To succeed in the study of arithmetic, geometry, or algebra, students must learn what is effectively a second language of mathematical terms and symbols. In Literacy Strategies for Improving Mathematics Instruction, Joan M. Kenney and her coauthors describe common ways in which students misinterpret the language of mathematics, and show teachers what they can do to ensure that their students become fluent in that language. The authors synthesize the research on what it takes to decode mathematical text, explain how teachers can use guided discourse and graphic representations to help students develop mathematical literacy skills, offer guidance on using action research to enhance mathematics instruction, and discuss the importance of student-centered learning and concept-building skills in the classroom. Real-life vignettes of student struggles illuminate the profound effect of literacy problems on student achievement in mathematics. This book will help teachers better understand their students' difficulties with mathematics and take the steps necessary to alleviate them. Abundantly researched and filled with helpful strategies and resources, it is an invaluable resource for mathematics teachers at all levels.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416602305
• ISBN13: 9781416602309
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: ASCD
• Length: 113 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great resource for math teachers!

As a math teacher in a high-poverty urban high school with many students who lack literacy skills, I have long wanted a book like this. It is the best resource I have found for helping students with literacy in mathemtics. Kenney, et. al. include strategies for helping students to read, write, speak and listen in mathematics classes. They approach learning math as being similar to learning a new language. Unlike many more general books on content-area reading which have little that is of use for a math teacher, all of the strategies in this book are chosen because they work in mathematics. I highly recommend this book to math teachers!

Excellent read!

What a great collection of strategies for improving the way students read and write in math class. If you're struggling with kids who need to do well on standardized tests, please read this book. It's got some great ideas, as well as explanations, inside.

Literacy and Math - Yes they do go together!

Math teachers who are trying to help struggling students will find this resource extremely helpful. Practical ideas for reading, writing, speaking, and listening in mathematics are included.