Effectiveness of Mathematical Vocabulary Instruction on Pre-algebra Students

Authors

Eula E. Monroe, Brigham Young University
Leslie Huber, Brigham Young University

Keywords

mathematical vocabulary instruction, pre-algebra student, Benjamin Whorf

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Teacher Education

Abstract

According to Benjamin Whorf, a language philosopher, language shapes thought (1). Based on this premise, the language of mathematics must be known in order to think about mathematics. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) recommends that teachers monitor students’ use of mathematical language to enable them to communicate in mathematics (2). Since the requisite meaning vocabulary is necessary to speak the language of mathematics, it is vital that teachers help students learn mathematics vocabulary. This study attempted to test the effectiveness of a certain teaching method, called a graphic organizer, in teaching mathematics vocabulary to pre-algebra students.

Recommended Citation

Monroe, Eula E. and Huber, Leslie (2014) "Effectiveness of Mathematical Vocabulary Instruction on Pre-algebra Students," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 40.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/40