Theme . | = 55 . | Sample responses . |
---|---|---|
Increase in content knowledge/understanding | 16 | |
Support for non-gradation of the writing assignments | 11 | |
Ease of written explanation as opposed to oral | 8 | |
Improved efficiency in writing | 6 | |
More time consuming | 9 | |
Linguistic barriers | 5 | |
There were also some responses where the participants liked the activity provided some conditions were met. Their responses marked the presence of ‘If’, ‘but’, etc. For example,
‘…. if teacher is there to guide me how to write and explain’
‘… but not for big questions. You have to write a lot’
‘……only when it is for activity, not for exam’
A full excerpt from a student’s similar response is cited here for reference:
‘I think writing helps to understand more by explaining and also it is a good brain exercise when we have to remember what we done before in the previous class. But in the [examination] paper, we have to solve only and then we get full marks. So, we should not waste time in writing because in this time we can solve many questions if we remember the formula’.
Although this student acknowledged the benefit of writing in terms of understanding more, they preferred giving a procedural solution or stating the answer directly. This student recognized that memorizing formulae is enough for getting good marks in an examination (owing to the particular marking scheme adopted). This raises the question of whether current assessment systems and education policies are really in favour of developing students’ understanding or are merely ranking procedures that reward rote learning.
A detailed discussion of these findings with illustrative examples and links to the research questions and relevant literature is included in the next section.
In this section, each research question is addressed, and findings discussed with relevant supporting references from the literature.
5.1.1 impact of the intervention on students’ enjoyment.
The analysis of the quantitative data revealed that participants’ mean enjoyment scores increased from 34.79 (prior to the intervention) to 39.82 (after the intervention). Results of a paired-samples t -test confirmed the statistical significance of this increase. In addition, these findings were supported through participants’ reflections of their perceptions of the writing intervention. Responses such as ‘ I like it ’, ‘ It was enjoyable ’, ‘… I like my maths class as this ’ indicate participants’ perceived enjoyment and positive attitude towards the writing intervention. A few students even expressed a desire for writing to be a regular feature of their mathematics lessons. For instance,
‘...Can we have it in our daily class also?’
‘…I think it should be weekly or on alternate days’
‘…We should have it in our daily class also’
This enjoyment was facilitated in a number of ways. For example, the role of a comfortable and interactive classroom environment was emphasized in the literature ( Firmender et al. , 2017 ; Hidi, 2000 ) and this was given due consideration throughout this study. The aim was to make students feel stress-free while writing their solution strategies.
Writing can develop greater confidence in mathematics by providing students with opportunities to grapple with mathematical ideas ( Powell, 1997 ). This assertion is particularly relevant to the present study, given the results of the self-confidence questionnaire. The increase in participants’ mean scores for self-confidence from 49.48 (pre-test) to 54.40 (post-test) is statistically significant as confirmed by the paired-samples t -test. The results are also supported by participants’ reflections of the writing intervention.
Participants felt an increase in confidence for a variety of reasons, for example, a greater understanding, improved efficiency in writing, clarity of thoughts, etc. Some excerpts from participants’ reflections are provided in Fig. 4 to highlight the findings specifically in relation to confidence.
Sample examples relating to confidence.
Sample of participants’ work.
Sample examples relating to non-gradation.
The use of phrases such as ‘ was sure’ , ‘ understood more’ and ‘ can improve’ in these excerpts are indicative of students’ increased confidence through writing and help to reaffirm the quantitative findings.
The reflection process which occurs during writing provides learners with an opportunity to look at their own thoughts and refine them in accordance with the information to be conveyed. ‘ Such acquisition of control and monitoring capabilities engenders in students’ feelings of accomplishment...students develop faith in themselves as learners who are capable of doing and understanding mathematics ’ ( Powell, 1997 , p. 23). According to Bandura (1977 ), performance accomplishments are the most powerful contributors to one’s self-efficacy beliefs. The confidence gained through these small accomplishments leads to motivation which brings further enjoyment for the task at hand.
A variety of student perceptions about the use of mathematical writing emerged from participants’ reflections. As detailed in Section 4.2, these responses were categorized into themes which will now be discussed considering similar studies from the literature.
As mentioned previously, 29% of participants noted an increase in their content knowledge and/or understanding. One participant wrote the following:
‘I don’t want to do maths for marks. This activity I enjoyed because you are doing it for your understanding, not as a paper (exam). I understood more when I solved my answers by writing’.
Participants’ feedback included statements such as ‘able to understand more by writing’, ‘writing helps to understand in a good way’, ‘by writing, there is less confusion for the answer’ and that ‘it will also clear any doubts that you had since you have to provide reasons on why your answer is correct’. Figure 5 presents a students’ work from the six sessions of the intervention, along with the feedback for how the student felt about the writing intervention.
These findings resonate with the results from many other studies which have reported the instrumental role of writing in a greater acquisition of content knowledge through a deeper engagement with the subject (for example, Borasi & Rose, 1989 ; Craig, 2016 ; Porter & Masingila, 2000 ; Pugalee, 2004 ).
A noteworthy observation was the reflection of thoughts through writing, as shown by the following response.
‘ When we write, we can revise it many times and we can know if we get a right or wrong answer. If I see that I am thinking wrong, I can start again with some other method but if we are just explaining orally, you have said all [the] words, and you cannot go back and change your answer. So, I like this part of writing that you can see what you are thinking and change it any time before submitting [the] final answer ’.
This excerpt is indicative of the importance of the reflection process that occurs while writing. Even though students may not recognize this on-going process, it is one of the many potential benefits of writing ( Craig, 2011 ; Ray Parsons, 2011 ). Effective learning occurs while resolving the cognitive conflicts in writers’ minds and results in metacognitive development ( Kuzle, 2013 ; Pugalee, 2004 ).
Sample examples relating to preference over oral explanations.
Sample examples relating to written efficiency.
In the qualitative data, many participants (20%) attributed the non-grading criterion of the written tasks as one of the reasons that they were comfortable with writing. They commented that while writing, they did not experience fear or anxiety of mathematics and enjoyed the activity without any stress as ‘it was not an exam’. Some participants’ reflections relevant to this are provided in Fig. 6 .
The literature provides evidence that anxiety regarding grading and assessment not only disrupts students’ capability to reason and understand but also causes a disliking for the subject ( Wells, 1994 ). In other words, the fear of being assessed may obstruct learning from taking place naturally and may hold back students from even attempting various mathematical tasks. This raises concerns regarding the adequacy of current assessment systems which often fail to assess the process and are more focused on the product of learning ( Little et al. , 2017 ). Another point of importance here is that participants were more comfortable because their wrong answers or mistakes were not highlighted. This is noteworthy, especially in the domain of mathematics where making mistakes can be an integral part of the learning experience. The fear of making mistakes may inhibit the brain’s growth and capacity to learn and understand ( Boaler & Dweck, 2016 ).
Among the various benefits of writing is its efficacy to reach out to diverse learners ( Bakewell, 2008 ). This assertion proved to be particularly true for the current study where approximately 15% of participants expressed being more comfortable with written explanations as opposed to oral. There were varied reasons for this response with many signalling a lack of confidence for class interactions. Some excerpts are provided in Fig. 7 to illustrate this.
These findings, as well as others from the literature, highlight that writing is a useful medium for empowering students who feel too shy to take part in class discussions. For example, a year-long study by Fry and Villagomez (2012) in the USA showed that writing helped introverts who seldom took part in class interactions. Students who participated in the writing-to-learn activities of that study showed an increased engagement with the course content. Furthermore, other research (for example, Pugalee, 2004 ) also notes the benefits of written explanations over oral, thus providing a rationale for writing to be an important vehicle for learning.
Another feature perceived by participants in favour of writing was improved competence in their writing skills. Some students (11%) commented that they felt an improvement as they learned new words and gained confidence for writing. A few participants also expressed that they expect to improve further if they keep practicing. Figure 8 provides some of the participants’ reflections under this theme.
These findings are supported by existing literature in the field. It has been reported that an improved use of vocabulary (both in terms of formal mathematical vocabulary as well as the usage of complete sentences and linking words) is an associated advantage of providing reasoning in mathematical writing ( Cohen et al. , 2015 ). Rubenstein (2007 ) contends that in order to communicate mathematically, students must learn how to use correct mathematical language and this learning is supported through writing. Although participants in this study did not report an improvement in mathematics vocabulary, in particular, it could be expected that enjoyment and confidence gained through an improved comprehension in general may enthuse them with a liking for mastering discipline-specific language.
There were mixed responses from respondents in relation to the time-factor. Nine out of 55 students commented that writing takes a longer time and that they preferred giving a direct answer to the problem. Some of these contended that the aim of solving a mathematical task is getting the correct answer and thus viewed writing as a ‘waste of time’. A smaller number also felt that even though writing results in improved learning and is a good brain exercise, the lengthy nature of this activity trumps its benefits and thus, it may be ‘good for some problems but not for all’. Excerpts from some participants’ responses that fall into this category are presented in Fig. 9 .
The time-consuming nature of writing, as reported by the participants of this study, has also been reported by many others. In fact, the constraint of time acts as a potential drawback to the implementation of writing in regular teaching ( Baxter et al., 2005 ; McIntosh & Draper, 2001 ). On the contrary, Porter and Masingila (2000 ) assert that the success of writing in promoting a deeper mathematical understating might be primarily due to the increased time that is spent on writing for a given task. In fact, they consider whether the primary contributor in the process is the time spent on the task or the writing itself.
Sample examples relating to time consumption.
Sample example related to language.
Although English was the language of instruction in the school where this study was carried out, 5 out of 55 students manifested a difficulty in using the English language for their explanations. For these students, a lack of language proficiency hindered their ability to explain their reasoning. For example, one student wrote the following: ‘… I know the maths of answer but not English words ’. Findings from other studies (for example, Craig, 2011 ; Porter & Masingila, 2000 ) confirm the prevalence of such linguistic difficulties for students.
The following reflection ( Fig. 10 ) is noteworthy and is worth mentioning with respect to this theme.
In this instance, although there were no rewards or incentives for the participants, this child wanted to be a good writer. She started learning new words to be more able to express herself. This one excerpt sets an example of how writing may instil a desire to learn more and implies that writing is a beneficial medium for inter-disciplinary learning.
This study sought to examine students’ perceptions and explore the impact of mathematical writing on students’ affective constructs of enjoyment and self-confidence. An analysis of the quantitative data revealed an increase in the mean scores for both enjoyment and self-confidence. Results of t -tests confirmed that these increases were statistically significant. A further analysis revealed there to be no gender-related differences.
A thematic analysis of participants’ reflections of the writing intervention also signalled a positive perception towards such activities. Overall, participants gave a positive response towards the intervention and reported an increase in content knowledge/understanding as the main reason. As well as supporting the non-grading of the tasks, some students also noted the ease of written explanations as opposed to oral and an improved efficiency in writing. At the same time, the time-consuming nature of the activity and a lack of proficiency in English language emerged as the factors of concern for a few participants.
In conclusion, findings from this study indicated a progressive shift in students’ attitude post-intervention. Hence, although this was a short intervention with a relatively small cohort, it can be inferred that mathematical writing has the potential to increase students’ enjoyment and self-confidence in mathematics and has a positive impact on their learning. In contrast with the traditional methods of teaching, writing activities in mathematics may serve as an effective medium for transforming students’ mindsets and fostering positive attitudes towards the subject.
However, the benefits of writing are contingent on a host of factors such as the nature of the writing tasks allotted to students, the intensity of intervention by instructors, the students’ ability to exploit its benefits, etc. It is necessary to keep these factors in mind as these may neutralize the positives that can be gained from writing. Furthermore, students and teachers may hold different views about mathematical writing which may affect the quality and nature of writing in a mathematics classroom. In addition, time-bound learning also constrains the integration of writing into classrooms. Future research might gauge the effect of other contextual factors, for example, classroom environment, motivational and constructive feedback, etc. that may aid in bringing out positive changes in students’ affective domains while learning. Additional research is also required to investigate how writing, if incorporated into the regular curriculum, may change learners’ as well as teachers’ beliefs about the nature of mathematics.
It is important to keep in mind that the absence of a comparison or control group may affect the generalizability of the results of this study and that the positive results may not be solely due to the intervention. Several other factors such as the non-routine nature of the mathematics tasks, the activity-based sessions, non-grading of work, absence of teacher, etc., could have contributed to the findings. Nonetheless, the results of the study point to the potential of mathematical writing to be used as an effective scaffolding tool for students’ mathematics learning.
Additionally, the effect of various other contextual factors cannot be ignored. There is a chance that participants’ enhanced enjoyment and self-confidence in this study could have been affected by the nature of the research context itself. For example, participants may be keen to impress and please the researcher which might also have acted as a restraining factor affecting the results of the study in a positive or negative manner. Activity-based intervention with no assessment involved may also have contributed to the heightened enjoyment and reduced levels of anxiety in participants.
Finally, the study has emphasized a domain of mathematics education where there is a dearth of research. It has thus added value to the existing body of research and is particularly enriching from an Indian context. In terms of future educational policy, it may prove to be helpful and act as a starting point for further research in India and indeed in other education systems around the world.
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Tandeep Kaur is a research associate and a doctoral student at the Institute of Education, Dublin City University. She has extensive experience in teaching mathematics at the secondary and senior secondary level. Her research interests lie in exploration of best practices in mathematics education, initial teacher education and students’ mental health and well-being. E-mail: [email protected]
Mark Prendergast is a senior lecturer in Education in the School of Education at University College Cork. His teaching and research interests include mathematics education, teacher education and working with non-traditional students. E-mail: [email protected]
(All tasks were selected from TIMSS (2011) 8th-Grade Mathematics Concepts and Mathematics Items SOURCE: TIMSS 2011 Assessment. Copyright © 2013 International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). Publisher: TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA and International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), IEA Secretariat, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.)
Each student in team B jumped farther than any student in team A.
After every student in team A jumped, there was a student in team B who jumped farther.
As a group, team B jumped farther than team A.
Some students in team A jumped farther than some students in team B.
(Item number M042269, Cognitive Domain—Reasoning)
EN1. I get a great deal of satisfaction out of solving a mathematics problem.
EN2. I have usually enjoyed studying mathematics in school.
EN3. Mathematics is dull and boring.
EN4. I like to solve new problems in mathematics.
EN5. I would prefer to do an assignment in mathematics than to write an essay.
EN6. I really like mathematics.
EN7. I am happier in a mathematics class than in any other class.
EN8. Mathematics is a very interesting subject.
EN9. I am comfortable expressing my own ideas on how to look for solutions to a difficult problem in mathematics.
EN10. I am comfortable answering questions in mathematics class.
SC1. Mathematics is one of my most dreaded subjects.
SC2. My mind goes blank and I am unable to think clearly when working with mathematics.
SC3. Studying mathematics makes me feel nervous.
SC4. Mathematics makes me feel uncomfortable.
SC5. I am always under a terrible strain in a mathematics class.
SC6. When I hear the word mathematics, I have a feeling of dislike.
SC7. It makes me nervous to even think about having to do a mathematics problem.
SC8. Mathematics does not scare me at all.
SC9. I expect to do fairly well in any mathematics class I take.
SC10. I am always confused in my mathematics class.
SC11. I have a lot of self-confidence when it comes to mathematics.
SC12. I am able to solve mathematics problems without too much difficulty.
SC13. I feel a sense of insecurity when attempting mathematics.
SC14. I learn mathematics easily.
SC15. I believe I am good at solving mathematics problems.
(ATMI; Tapia & Marsh, 2004 ).
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Use of Mathematics in Daily Life Essay: Math has become an inseparable piece of our lives. Whether we work in an office or invest the majority of our energy at home, every last one of us utilizes math as a piece of our regular day to day existence.
Regardless of where we are, just as we are doing, math is consistently there if you notice it. For those of you who feel restless about utilizing mathematics, here is a rundown of the day by day exercises that include utilizing this general subject. So kick back and investigate how we use math in our regular day to day existence.
You can also find more Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.
We provide the student with essay samples on an extended essay of 500 words and a short piece of 150 words on the Use Of Mathematics In Daily Life.
Long Essay on Use of Mathematics in Daily Life is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Mathematics is a deliberate utilization of issue. Moreover, the subject of Mathematics is one of the main subjects of our life. Regardless of which field or calling you to have a place with, its utilization is all over. That is the reason it is essential to have a decent comprehension of the subject. Even though the essentials of mathematics start from school; however, its use proceeds till we become grown-ups, and in this manner, it very well may be said that maths has become a vital part. Envisioning our lives without it resembles a boat without a sail. You may be shocked to realize that we use mathematics consistently, even without knowing it. From dialing numbers on the telephone to giving cash for making the installments, our reality is encircled by mathematics. So let us see what sway this subject has made on our lives.
While planning food, we generally measure the various fixings to cook the ideal amount as it were. This is conceivable only because of mathematics. On the off chance that we didn’t know about the numbers, it would not have been reasonable to quantify, make changes, and cook delicious food. So you can say that our day starts with the idea of maths.
While going shopping, we set up a rundown of things we require, compute the necessary measure of cash for it, and so forth. This count depends on numbers which come from mathematics. Without the numbers, you can’t choose the amount you have to pay to the merchant and the amount you have spared. So on account of shopping as well, you are encircled by the universe of mathematics.
This is where various mathematics ideas are applied, and accordingly, the specialists need to have a decent agreement and order of the subject. Taking care of the bank’s exchanges isn’t straightforward, and you have to have some information on mathematics to keep up your record, store and pull out cash, and so forth. On the off chance you wish to advance, you have to consider the interest you should pay and the month to month premium you would need to pay. The financial area is identified with maths; thus, even the clients should be acquainted with it.
Everybody loves to travel, yet there is much more to it than the delight. While arranging your excursion, you do not just need to choose where you wish to go yet book your inn, tickets, and so forth. This requires spending arranging and a feeling of comprehension of mathematics with the goal that you can achieve the various assignments effectively. From making a trip separation to its cost, transport tickets, employing taxis, and so forth all require maths.
Subsequently, from the above models, you may have a reasonable thought that there is no such region where the idea of mathematics isn’t utilized. You can’t manage without this subject, and that is why it is essential to keep your rudiments option to play out the regular exercises of life. So mess around with the number and appreciate.
Short Essay on Use of Mathematics in Daily Life is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Mathematics is helpful in our everyday life. The utilization of mathematics causes us to play out various assignments without breaking a sweat. In this article, we will find out about a couple of employments of mathematics today by day life. One of the regular employments of mathematics is cash the executives. These abilities will assist you in overseeing money. With the assistance of mathematics abilities, they can ascertain straightforward and accruing funds without much of a stretch.
Moreover, you can now access more Essay Writing on this topic and many more. These aptitudes are significant in overseeing cash and developing it up. Mathematics helps individuals to figure which bank is giving better revenue on their venture for a particular period. It will help with choosing which Mastercard and credits charge a low pace of interest. These are a portion of the significant territories in the day by day life that requires numerical aptitudes. Information on math helps you make better choices throughout everyday life, which helps make life simpler.
Question 1. What are the employments of maths?
Answer: Mathematics makes our life deliberate and forestalls tumult. Specific characteristics supported by mathematics are the intensity of thinking, innovativeness, theoretical or spatial reasoning, basic reasoning, critical thinking capacity, and even viable relational abilities.
Question 2. How would we use math in shopping?
Answer: Math utilized when purchasing something. To start with, you use including and expansion used to tell how much cash you have. Rates and development are being used to figure the price tag. At that point, the deduction is used to sort out how much change is expected.
Question 3. How would you use math when voyaging?
Answer: Math proves to be useful when voyaging. Consider it: When you travel, math tags along – from assessing the fuel measure, you’ll have to arrange out an excursion dependent on miles every hour and separation voyaged. Computing fuel use is pivotal to significant distance travel.
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• IDRA Newsletter • March 2003
Reading, writing, and mathematics are, or should be, inseparable. Hands-on mathematics can stimulate curiosity, engage student interest and build important prior knowledge before students read or write about the topic. The more students know about a topic, the better they comprehend and learn from text on the topic. Prior knowledge is the strongest predictor of student ability to make inferences from text.
Hands-on mathematics, though, must be combined with minds-on activities. Reading and writing activities can help students analyze, interpret and communicate mathematical ideas. These are skills needed to evaluate sources of information and the validity of the information itself, a key competency for mathematically literate citizens.
Many of the process skills needed for mathematics are similar to reading skills and, when taught together, would reinforce each other. Examples of common skills are predicting, inferring, communicating, comparing and contrasting, and recognizing cause and effect relationships. Teachers who recognize the interrelatedness of mathematics and literacy processes can design instruction that reflects these similarities. Becoming a Nation of Readers suggests that the most logical place for instruction in most reading and thinking strategies is in the content areas rather than in separate lessons about reading.
The importance of writing in the mathematics classroom cannot be overemphasized. In the process of writing, students clarify their own understanding of mathematics and hone their communication skills. They must organize their ideas and thoughts more logically and structure their conclusions in a more coherent way. Competency in writing can only be accomplished through active practice; solving mathematics problems is a natural vehicle for increasing students’ writing competence.
Motivating and engaging students to speak, ask questions, learn new vocabulary and write their thoughts comes easily when they are curious, exploring and engaged in their own mathematics inquiry. Teachers can take advantage of students’ innate wonder and inquisitiveness to develop language skills while learning mathematics concepts. Integrating literacy activities into mathematics classes helps clarify concepts and can make mathematics more meaningful and interesting. Teachers can use a wide variety of literature, including trade books, texts and fiction. Selecting a fiction book with a mathematical theme both provides information and captivates student interest. Fiction works successfully with young learners by embedding cognitive learning in imaginative stories.
Asking students to write mathematics journals about their problem-solving experiences or to articulate and defend their views about mathematics-related issues provides opportunities to clarify their thinking and develop communications skills. Other ways to integrate writing in mathematics are recording and describing situations that involve mathematics, and writing persuasive letters on social issues like the use of sampling by the Census Bureau. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics provides annual lists of outstanding new literature and multimedia materials.
For English language learners, instruction in mathematics can be enhanced by the use of hands-on materials. Interacting with materials and phenomena enables English language learners to ask and answer questions of the materials themselves and use the materials as visual aids in conversation with the teacher and peers. Visual and auditory clues should be plentiful – charts with pictures of materials and key procedures, for example. Teachers should select vocabulary carefully, repeat key words often, and refer to charts with the written words. Working in pairs or small groups makes native language support by peers or instructional aides more feasible.
Mathematics teachers can help all students increase their comprehension of mathematics texts by activating their prior knowledge through brainstorming, discussing the topic, asking questions and providing analogies. Specific attention to vocabulary is often necessary to enable comprehension of mathematics texts. Teachers should introduce new vocabulary and use a graphic organizer, concept or semantic map or collaborative peer study techniques to develop understanding of new words.
Anderson, R.C., and E.H. Hiebert, I.A.G. Scott. Becoming a Nation of Readers: The Report of the Commission on Reading (Washington, D.C.: The National Institute of Education, 1984).
Barton, M.L., and C. Heidema. Teaching Reading in Mathematics , second edition (Aurora, Colo.: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, 2002).
Billmeyer, R., and ML Barton. Teaching Reading in the Content Areas (Aurora, Colo.: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, 1988).
National Commission of Excellence in Education. A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1983).
Reprinted with permission from EDThoughts – What We Know About Mathematics Teaching and Learning , edited by J. Sutton and A. Krueger (Aurora, Colo.: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning, 2002) pp. 50-51.
Comments and questions may be directed to him via e-mail at [email protected] .
[©2003, IDRA. This article originally appeared in the March 2003 IDRA Newsletter by the Intercultural Development Research Association. Permission to reproduce this article is granted provided the article is reprinted in its entirety and proper credit is given to IDRA and the author.]
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(8 reviews)
Jennie A. Harrop, George Fox University
Copyright Year: 2018
ISBN 13: 9780999829202
Publisher: George Fox University Library
Language: English
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Reviewed by Linda Haynes, Associate Director of Introductory Composition, Purdue University on 12/30/23
I can’t imagine that any textbook can cover everything an instructor wants in a single volume unless the instructor writes their own textbook, but this text explains a good deal of information well, especially Chapters 14-17 on Purpose, Audience,... read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less
I can’t imagine that any textbook can cover everything an instructor wants in a single volume unless the instructor writes their own textbook, but this text explains a good deal of information well, especially Chapters 14-17 on Purpose, Audience, Voice, and Context (or, genre and medium), and I plan to use these chapters as supplemental material to the text I currently use. For my purposes, this book lacks comprehensive sections on evaluating sources and on peer review. The Academic Formatting section was also not helpful as written. I prefer going straight to each Manual of Style website. I appreciate the attention given to Chapter 11, Introductions, and especially to Chapter 13, Conclusions. I rarely see a textbook that contains useful guidance for students to write effective conclusions, and students often struggle with them. There is no index nor glossary included with this textbook.
Content Accuracy rating: 5
I noticed no errors within the text nor instances of overt bias.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 4
I’d like to see a discussion of inclusive pronouns updated to reflect current language use (pages 69-70), especially in a textbook with the subtitle _Writing for the 21st Century_.
Clarity rating: 5
Yes, the text is clearly written and is accessible to readers.
Consistency rating: 4
The terminology seems to be consistent throughout the text. I appreciate the overarching 1 + 1 = 2 idea, but it seems to be directed more toward developmental writers, which seems inconsistent with the author's claims of who the audience is for this text. Writers beyond the developmental stage will want to skip the earlier chapters, and that’s fine—the framework will still support that, but I'm concerned that the text's intended audience is a bit broad. In many chapters, the consistent use of three exercises feels forced. Many of the exercises could be eliminated; they seem to be in place for the sake of having three exercises per chapter (consistency in formatting).
Modularity rating: 5
I see no problem with splitting up the information an instructor might find useful and separating the material they don’t need. I also see the need to make connections between Chapter 18, Claims and Appeals with Chapter 12, Body Paragraphs. It would be easy enough to put those chapters into a module and guide students on how to use them together.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4
I do not care for the organization of the text as presented. I will not use the Preface, the Introduction, nor any of the chapters in Part I, The Sentence Equation. (I cover this material in a different way throughout my course). I would begin the semester by assigning readings with Part IV: The Process of Writing Well because students need to have ideas for pre-writing and reasons for revision before they worry about shaping and polishing their prose. Studying basic rhetoric and ideation comes before revision, editing, and proofreading; otherwise, students become anxious and “word-tied” at the sentence level. However, I realize these chapters can be modulated to fit another course structure.
Interface rating: 3
In PDF form, I appreciate that students can click on a chapter in the Table of Contents to take them to that chapter, but there is no easy way to navigate back to the T of C. This is minor, especially if I modulate the text, but if someone were to use the book in its entirety, the navigation can be a concern. The quotes that are included throughout the text are intrusive. Example: the one on page 220 “fights” with the rest of the text on that page as if it’s a larger and bolded column. Many of the quotes have little to do with the rest of the material on the page, which detracts from the students’ ease and flow of reading. The fonts on the sample papers on pages 186-205 were difficult to read onscreen even when I increased the page size on a large computer screen. I could download the Sample Papers on pages 185, 193, and 200 but I was unable to open them, which I realize could be the result of security settings on my university-owned computer.
Grammatical Errors rating: 5
I found no grammatical errors.
Cultural Relevance rating: 4
I see nothing culturally insensitive except the lack of a clear explanation for culturally appropriate and modern pronoun use. Given that ours is a state-owned land grant university, I will not use the sample papers because all three focus on religion, specifically a single religion. I would rather select my own sample papers that show more diversity in subject matter.
I plan to test a few sections of this book for my Advanced Composition course, in particular the chapters in Part IV that include discussions about purpose, audience, voice, and context and the chapters about introductions, body text, and conclusions. I will not use the exercises nor the research section (even though my students do a lot of research). I don’t see a reason to have an entire chapter on terminal punctuation (Chapter 3), then a separate one on mid-sentence punctuation marks (Chapter 4), especially when each chapter contains three exercises on the topic. I appreciate the time and effort put into this textbook. It's a huge undertaking.
Reviewed by Jennifer Valdez, Associate Professor, Bunker Hill Community College on 5/28/20
The text covers a lot of ground: sentence-level concerns, paragraphs, essays, the writing process, research, and typical forms of professional writing. These are listed in the Table of Contents and key terms are highlighted. Key terms are not... read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less
The text covers a lot of ground: sentence-level concerns, paragraphs, essays, the writing process, research, and typical forms of professional writing. These are listed in the Table of Contents and key terms are highlighted. Key terms are not always defined ("pre-writing" for instance; there is a list of types of pre-writing but not a definition or models/examples). There is no index or glossary.
Content Accuracy rating: 4
As far as I can tell, the information in this text is accurate in so far as it represents the cultural norms of standard Academic English. I think any and all texts about "how to write" must inherently contain some bias.
Like all writing textbooks, this will eventually need updates around academic writing conventions, online resources, and professional writing conventions.
Clarity rating: 3
The language is simple and straightforward, but the text relies often on explanation only. I think this could be improved with more visuals and models. The repeated use of the rhetorical triangle was an effective visual, but then there were instructions like "draw an umbrella and fill it in with...." Students might benefit from a model of such an umbrella to provide a visual plus relevant examples.
Consistency rating: 5
The framework (Simple Math) is consistent throughout and applied across all of the sections of the text. There is a helpful paragraph at the beginning of each chapter that summarizes how the framework applies to the particular concept in the chapter.
This text could easily be divided up into free-standing units. The sentence structure and formatting sections in particular would make helpful free-standing supplemental material for my students who request more information and/or exercises in these areas.
In general, yes--the topics are clearly and logically presented. I do think that the quotes about writing dispersed throughout the text are not as clearly connected to the content. Maybe the text could make the connections/context more explicit between the quotes and personal stories and the skills being outlined in the chapters.
Interface rating: 5
I had no problems navigating or reading the words and visuals in this text.
I did not notice any grammatical errors as I was reading; the text seems well-edited and proofread.
There is nothing particularly culturally offensive in this text, and its discussion of high and low-context cultures in relationship to language is thoughtful, helpful, and relevant to this category. There are some of the typical assumptions of this genre of textbook, though: that American English is monolithic and that writing exercises can be conducted in a contextual vacuum.
I appreciate the time and expertise that went into putting together this book and plan to use parts of it in the future, probably supplementally. I hope that any critical comments are ultimately helpful.
Reviewed by JoAnn McCarthy, Adjunct Faculty , Colorado State Board of Higher Education on 11/18/19
very comprehensive I liked how the book has a chapter on emails and letters read more
Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less
very comprehensive I liked how the book has a chapter on emails and letters
The book is very accurate, error-free and unbiased
Relevance/Longevity rating: 5
Yes very relevant, especially the chapters on writing emails
Clarity is a strength for this book as the concepts are clear, direct and straight forward, modeling a math approach.
The book is very consistent in its pattern of presenting the material.
Modularity is a strength of the book, as the chapters and the subheadings are identified clearly with just the right explanation to the chapter
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5
Very well organized--set in a writing process that moves from small to large concepts.
Easy to navigate
No mistakes found
Cultural Relevance rating: 5
The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive, but it didn't really have examples that are inclusive.
The only thing I didn't like about the book was the exercises. They were all the same--based on previous activities and not very creative or engaging
Reviewed by Linda McHenry, Instructor of first-year composition , Fort Hays State University on 11/4/18
Most chapters give general information. The ways writing is broken into formulas would assist those writers who struggle with understanding how to compose sentences and frame their ideas. read more
Most chapters give general information. The ways writing is broken into formulas would assist those writers who struggle with understanding how to compose sentences and frame their ideas.
Text is mostly accurate. Depending on what edition of APA style a course or profession, two spaces are required after a period (per sixth edition). When discussing particular styles--APA, MLA, Turabian, and so on--more information about the hundreds of styles that exist in professional and academic writing would be more informative and helpful. Writers must understand basic bibliographic information and then apply the style to the in-text and bibliography. Part VI: Academic Formatting was not nearly informative for college writers.
Relevance/Longevity rating: 3
Identifying letters, reports, and proposals as writing done beyond academia is a bit misleading. Chapter 23 glosses over citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Turabian. Additional, relevant information is needed in order for this chapter to be meaningful to students. Most professionals who have graduated from college will surely be operating in their professional style and would find this part unhelpful. For college students, these sections would be unhelpful, as well.
Harrop identifies target readers as college students, college graduates who want to brush up on their writing skills. As one dives into the text, Harrop narrows college students taking journalism and composition courses. In places, composition students are narrowed further into basic writers. Each demographic has its own set of expectations and needs. Some parts--including the idioms section--seems of lesser significance for college graduates. Part VII: Beyond Academia identifies emails, letters, reports, and proposals that are not limited to outside academia. A noble attempt to meet such a diverse audience does fall short in some places, but there is competition throughout the text regarding exactly whose needs are being met: journalism and composition students or college graduates. College students write emails about jobs while college students. And, a PhD job ad seems a bit too specific of an example for college students to find meaningful in their professional fields.
Consistency rating: 3
Some parts are rudimentary (college graduates in their professions), and others are written over readers' heads (basic writers and composition students). However, pages 128-129 list solid audience questions most writers could use when crafting their messages.
Modularity rating: 4
Text can be broken into sections, which is helpful. Part 1: The Sentence Equation would be better at the end of the book, as writing process dictates writers focus on ideas first and preciseness of language second. Chapter ten in Part three is helpful when explaining the formula for composition thesis statements: "Thesis statement=Topic+Claim."
The latter part of the text focuses on process writing, and this part is more meaningful if it were the first section. The first part provides formulas that are clever ways to teach basic writers about sentence development. Typical writing textbooks work would flip writing ideas before editing sentences.
Interface rating: 4
Overall, the interface is effective. However, a graphic used in several chapters illustrating the complexities of purpose, voice, and audience (Chapters 14, 15, and 17) is distorted and utilizes an odd font. For a visually impaired reader, this graphic may be difficult to see.
Text demonstrates solid understanding and grasp of grammar, spelling, and mechanics. Text also follows the presented mathematics found in writing.
Photographs reflect people of many ethnicities. No part is culturally insensitive or offensive.
Parts of this text are helpful for a diverse audience, including basic writers, composition students, college students (in general), and college graduates. Professors and readers will have to piece together the particular parts and sentences that fit their needs, which is possible. The latter part of the text is more meaningful for process writing, including generating ideas. The earlier part is helpful for those who are typically writing similar texts that have similar organizational patterns.
Reviewed by Polly Peterson, Assistant Professor of English, George Fox University on 6/19/18
An excellent choice as the principle book in a writing course or as a supplemental writing text in a discipline-specific class, this book is a brief and complete writing manual with an approachable voice, clear rules, ample examples, and... read more
An excellent choice as the principle book in a writing course or as a supplemental writing text in a discipline-specific class, this book is a brief and complete writing manual with an approachable voice, clear rules, ample examples, and self-directed activities.
The text of the book is accurate and helpful. The directions and the answers do not seem to be as clear as they could be for some of the grammar exercises.
The purpose of the book is to demystify writing and and breakdown the misconceptions around the rules of grammar and usage. Drawing on her career as a journalist, writing professor and adult education program director, Harrop uses personal examples to speak to an audience of reluctant writers, demonstrating that writing is not as subjective as people fear. By understanding the simple rules -- the mathematics -- of grammar and usage, anyone can write well.
The brilliance of this book is in its audience focus: the confused grammarian in all of us. Her simple “1 + 1 = 2” approach to writing makes us confident that we can learn grammar, that we can write better, that we can communicate more clearly. An excellent choice for the classroom or as a reference for anyone who writes.
The book takes the same rhetorical and design approach in all of its sections. It provides context for the instruction, ample examples, pull-quotes and practice exercises with answer keys.
It is easy to assign sections from this book. While it is comprehensive, it is broken into smaller units -- perfect for integrating into courses other than just a generic college writing course.
The book starts by addressing the myths surrounding grammar usage and punctuation and replacing those false rules with the correct ones. The next three chapters are at the center of Harrop’s conceptual metaphor of writing-as-math, turning discourse into equations: the sentence equation, the paragraph equation, the essay equation. The last part of the book presents the writing process, research writing instruction, academic formatting, and writing in the professional world.
The books uses pictures, charts and examples to help explain the content. Easy to read and navigate.
Grammatical Errors rating: 4
The text of the book is accurate and helpful. The directions and the answers do not seem to be as clear as they could be in some of the grammar exercises.
Uses both male and female examples, some diversity in names, references to places in the pacific northwest.
Reviewed by Mike Mutschelknaus, English Instructor, Rochester Community and Technical College on 5/21/18
This textbook covers all of the topics that need to be taught in a high-level developmental writing class. After a thorough review of sentence and paragraph mechanics, Dr. Harrop moves into essay structure, the writing process, research, and even... read more
This textbook covers all of the topics that need to be taught in a high-level developmental writing class. After a thorough review of sentence and paragraph mechanics, Dr. Harrop moves into essay structure, the writing process, research, and even some professional writing. For those of us who have taught developmental writing for years, this book covers all of the writing aspects we would need.
The emphasis of the book--a logical, rather mathematical approach--on step by step processes may be disconcerting to some teachers. However, for our students, who often desire repeatable proceesses, this book would be quite helpful.
The content of this book is similar to the many other high-level developmental writing textbooks I have used over the years. The grammar section is accurate; the writing process section contains all of the exercises I've used over the years, and I like how the writing process section starts with the two most important considerations (purpose and audience) before moving into drafting and revision strategies.
Dr. Harrop's book is relevant and will have considerable longevity. She has included all of the central tenets for writing instruction in a high-level developmental course. I don't think those central tenets are going to change much over the next decade. They haven't so far, in my 25 years of teaching. Grammar is grammar. Process is process. The rhetorical triangle endures. Paragraphs need topic sentences and evidence. Dr. Harrop has ensured that her book will be around a while.
The book has good clarity for its intended audience. I infer that the audience is first-language English speakers who have struggled with writing in the past but who also have the cognitive skills to succeed. In other words, students with learning disabilities and English-as-a-Second-Language students would probably find the book less clear. For these learners, supplemental materials or instruction would need to be provided. However this is also true for most over developmental writing textbooks out there on the market today.
I appreciated Dr. Harrop's consistency in this book. No matter which chapter, she always affirms that writing is a logical set of steps. She opens each chapter the same way and has similar student exercises at the end of each chapter. Her numerous examples are on-target. Also, her examples aren't too long. This is important in a developmental writing class. The book has a repeated framework in each chapter.
Dr. Harrop's is designed, I think, with modularity in mind. Although the book is sequenced from chapter to chapter in order to emphasize logical processes, each chapter could also be used as a stand-alone unit. The book doesn't have very many chapter-to-chapter connections. That's a good thing. As I was reviewing the book, I was envisioning just how easily I could use divide up the book chapters and put them in my online course platform.
This book follows the same basic structure that I've seen in other developmental writing textbooks. It's organized from small to large. She starts with sentence-level structures, then paragraph and essay structures, and finally the writing and research processes. It works well. Before students can write essays, after all, they need to know how to write correct sentences.
When viewed on a comupter screen or tablet, the book is quite easy to read. Most importantly, when I read the book on my phone--a Samsung Galaxy--it was also easy to read and none of the images were distorted. This is important because students these days read everything on their phones. This book fits on their phones.
During my thorough review of the book, I didn't detect any grammatical errors.
Cultural Relevance rating: 3
In my opinion, Dr. Harrop follows the middle ground when choosing examples for the book. Her essay and paragraph examples are diverse. She is not able to provide many culturally relevant examples for sentence-level issues, for research, or for the writing process. However, since much of the book is a primer of sorts, a how-to manual, teachers would not be using it to teach diversity. They would be using it to teach writing structures.
I plan on using this book, starting in the Summer 2018 semester, in my developmental writing courses because its content fits what I teach and because it has the same content as the other developmental writing textbooks out there that I've used for many years. I will also supplement this book with other OERS as well. I will use this book to structure the sequence of my developmental writing courses. If you are curious about how I've used it, feel free to email me at .
Reviewed by Jennifer Derrick, Instructor, Lake Superior College on 5/21/18
This book contains an index, and covers a lot of information. The material covered is similar to what's presented in other textbooks for college writing classes: grammar, basic building blocks of writing, rhetorical awareness, different styles of... read more
This book contains an index, and covers a lot of information. The material covered is similar to what's presented in other textbooks for college writing classes: grammar, basic building blocks of writing, rhetorical awareness, different styles of documentation; specific types of writing and their purpose (emails, reports, etc.). It is comprehensive in its approach.
The content seems accurate and in line with other textbooks covering similar material.
This is a basic book about writing well. If a writing instructor plans on assigning somewhat standard essay assignments (respond to the prompt, or find a subject to research and argue) then the book will be relevant. If however, an instructor wishes to take a more rhetorically focused mindset, this book won't be as helpful. Although Dr. Harrop talks about purpose, audience, and context, those chapters come toward the end of the book, and don't seem to be integrated into the previous chapters. Purpose, audience, context, etc. would be better discussed first, and every succeeding chapter - including the ones about grammar use - could then be read within the context of who one is writing for and why.
The book is very easy to read. Dr. Harrop provides a definition and rules to remember at the start of each chapter, and at the end of each chapter lays out common errors in regards to the chapter's topic, whether they be errors in making a conclusion, writing paragraphs, etc. Her approach is consistent and easy to follow.
The book is highly consistent - in both visual and written form. Chapters are laid out in the same fashion and all follow the same organization. The book's layout reflects well on her title, "The simple math of writing well."
An instructor could easily assign chapters as s/he sees fit. The book doesn't need to be read in order, and one could easily pick and choose chapters to read without needing the context of previous ones.
Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3
Dr. Harrop begins, after an introduction, with grammar and simple rules for using it, which seems like a logical choice, given her title, "The Simple Math of Writing Well." Understanding basic grammar conventions will go a long way in writing success, but it's an odd way to start a book. Students will likely be overwhelmed with the numerous beginning chapters about sentences and grammar use.
Seeing the math behind sentences, however, within the context of who one is writing for would be a better approach. For instance, an introductory chapter on audience and purpose could provide opportunities for students to reflect on their grammar use in texts vs. emails vs. essays. This more rhetorically minded approach and organization would serve students better.
The pages do seem a bit crowded with information. A little more white space or variety would help.
Everything is clearly laid out. Some of the spacing in the called out quotes (they're in bold on the sides of some pages) seems odd.
In my reading of this textbook, I didn't view any grammar errors.
The text isn't culturally insensitive, but that's coming from someone who, as a middle class white Minnesotan, is not as highly tuned into this issue. More could certainly be done to boost cultural relevance.
This book covers material that is helpful and useful, but it isn't very engaging from a student standpoint. As it is already difficult to get first year college writing students to read assigned materials, I would choose a book that did more to cater to where they're at (more images, more casual language, more examples they can relate to).
Reviewed by Leah Richards, Assistant Professor, LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York on 5/21/18
This text is a comprehensive guide to the writing process, and is well-organized, beginning with sentences and building up to paragraphs and then essays. The "math" idea in the title is indeed "simple": 1+1=2, and even the most complex sentences... read more
This text is a comprehensive guide to the writing process, and is well-organized, beginning with sentences and building up to paragraphs and then essays. The "math" idea in the title is indeed "simple": 1+1=2, and even the most complex sentences can, Dr. Harrop shows, be reduced to this simple equation. The strongest, most useful sections for students would be, I think, Section II: The Paragraph Equation and Section III: The Essay Equation.
While there is a fine line sometimes between rules and stylistic choices, and I might disagree with some of what is presented as absolutes, particularly in Section I: The Sentence Equation, there are no errors in the book.
I think this writing textbook could have a significant shelf life. While later sections about research and the contexts in which we write will ultimately need to be updated, those changes would be easy to make, given the text's structure.
The clarity of the prose (as well as of the ideas) was a big plus for me; Dr. Harrop clearly loves words and language and what can be accomplished by using them well, and the casual but polished tone throughout demonstrates the text's claims about the value of writing well.
There are no issues with consistency; the terminology used is simple, likely recognizable to most students, and the return to the 1+1=2 equation and ____ + ____ = _____ formula for everything from sentences to complete essays created a throughline that shows that mastering the "math" of an essay is no more complex than mastering the "math" of a sentence.
Some sections are a bit long and overcrowded, particularly those in Section I: The Sentence Equation. While I understand the clustering of topics, some subsections would benefit from being broken up (most notably, I felt, "Eight Parts of Speech"). However, after the first section, which as the basis for subsequent sections had much to accomplish, the chapters were of manageable size, and flowed logically from one to the next.
There is really only one way to organize a writing textbook, moving from sentence to paragraph to essay, which this text does. There is, however, a great deal more flexibility in the organization of introducing grammar, parts of speech, punctuation, and such, and while I would probably sequence those chapters differently when teaching from this book, the text;s modularity would make that easy to do.
The text itself is physically very readable, with the move to subsequent (or previous) sections clearly marked. The table of contents, which features drop-down menus within each larger section, is easy to use.
A writing book with grammatical errors would not even warrant a review in my world. No errors that I caught.
This text is quite neutral; none of the examples used to illustrate the concepts are particularly diverse, but that doesn't seem exclusionary.
Because I teach many students with equal levels of math anxiety and writing anxiety, I really liked the approach of demystifying writing by reminding us how simple math can be.
Introduction: Myths And Rule Changes 1
Part I. The Sentence Equation
Part II. The Paragraph Equation
Part III. The Essay Equation
Part IV. The Process Of Writing Well
Part V. Research
Part VI. Academic Formatting
Part VII. Beyond Academia
Conclusion About The Author
About the book.
Writing guides abound, but The Simple Math of Writing Well is one of a kind. Readers will find its practical approach affirming, encouraging, and informative, and its focus on the basics of linguistic structure releases 21st-century writers to embrace the variety of mediums that define our internet-connected world. As Harrop reminds us in the opening chapters of her book, we write more today than ever before in history: texts, emails, letters, blogs, reports, social media posts, proposals, etc. The Simple Math of Writing Well is the first guide that directly addresses the importance of writing well in the Google age.
Dr. Jennie A. Harrop is a professor in George Fox University’s Department of Professional Studies, where she teaches writing, literature, and Christian apologetics, and serves as department chair. She holds a PhD in English from the University of Denver, an MFA in creative writing from Colorado State University, and a BA in journalism from Pacific Lutheran University, and she is completing a Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics and Future Studies at Portland Seminary. In addition to her teaching and administrative duties at George Fox, Harrop serves as director of the university’s Portland Writing Center. She lives in Oregon with her husband and five children.
COMMENTS
Everywhere we go, whatever we do, has maths in it. We just don't realize that. Maybe from now on, we will, as mathematics is an important aspect of our daily life. Also Read:-Importance of Internet. Essay on Importance of Mathematics in our Daily life in 200 words. Mathematics, as a subject, is one of the most important subjects in our lives.
In conclusion, mathematics is a vital part of our daily lives. It is not just a subject to be studied in school, but a tool for understanding, navigating, and shaping the world around us. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it is the foundation of critical thinking, technological progress, financial management, and scientific understanding.
When you write in a math class, you are expected to use correct grammar and spelling. Your writing should be clear and professional. Do not use any irregular abbreviations or shorthand forms which do not conform to standard writing conventions. Mathematics is written with sentences in paragraphs.
One of the most significant benefits of studying mathematics is the development of critical thinking skills. Math encourages logical reasoning, attention to detail, and the ability to analyze and solve problems systematically. These skills are transferable to many other areas of life, including decision-making and strategic planning.
Math may seem "useless" and "annoying" to many, but the essay gives readers a clear message: we need math to succeed. 3. Short essay on the importance of Mathematics by Jay Prakash. "In this modern age of Science and Technology, emphasis is given on Science such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine and Engineering.
mathematics is written at university. Writing mathematics involves putting together a coherent argument. I'm not saying you have write an essay, rather that you write mathematics so someone else can understand it. You will get more marks that way and when you go out into the big bad world and get a job you will have a useful skill -
Delve into the fascinating history of cryptography, from ancient times to modern-day encryption methods. In your essay, highlight the importance of mathematics in safeguarding sensitive information and the ongoing challenges faced by cryptographers. Conclusion. Writing a math essay doesn't have to be a daunting task.
tence, there is an art and elegance to good writing that every writer should strive for. And writing, as a work of art, can bring great personal satisfaction. These guidelines may serve as a starting point for good mathematical writing. 1. BASICS Know your audience. This is the most important consideration for writers. Put yourself in your ...
One write way to student success in mathematics; Problem-solving. Writing an original essay is like trying to solve a mathematics problem. There is no script to follow; it must be created by simultaneously determining one's goals and figuring out how to achieve them. In both essay writing and mathematical problem-solving, getting stuck is ...
Nov. 10, 2022. "Mathematics, I now see, is important because it expands the world," Alec Wilkinson writes in a recent guest essay. "It is a point of entry into larger concerns. It teaches ...
Mathematics helps to develop the ability to think. It helps explain how things work. It helps to develop wisdom. It increases the speed of intuition. It helps to make the child smarter. Money can be collected in mathematics when used as a profession. It is important in a constantly evolving world.
It also enables one to be alert so as not to commit unnecessary errors and to only aim for accuracy. To be honest, Mathematics can be the best thing that has ever happened to anyone. One step at a time and it will not take one forever to approach success in Mathematics. This is why mathematics is important in our daily life, as seen from my essay.
Importance of Mathematics. Mathematics has its application in daily life such as Time -management, Finance management, Profit and loss in business, Cooking, Purchasing and selling, Consumption of electricity, and patrol. There is hardly any field of science, which does not use mathematics as a tool to arrive at the desired result.
While there are many recommendations regarding the importance of writing in mathematics classrooms, the research on the impact of mathematical writing on student learning is more limited. A summary of the research identifies a number of studies reporting that students demonstrate greater mathematical understanding and learning through ...
EN5. I would prefer to do an assignment in mathematics than to write an essay. EN6. I really like mathematics. EN7. I am happier in a mathematics class than in any other class. EN8. Mathematics is a very interesting subject. EN9. I am comfortable expressing my own ideas on how to look for solutions to a difficult problem in mathematics. EN10.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS W. T. Gowers It is with some disbelief that I stand here and prepare to address this gathering on the subject of the importance of mathematics. For a start, it is an extraordinary honour to be invited to give the keynote address at a millennium meeting in Paris. Secondly, giving a lecture on the signi cance of ...
You can also find more Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more. Long and Short Essays on Use of Mathematics in Daily Life for Students and Kids in English. We provide the student with essay samples on an extended essay of 500 words and a short piece of 150 words on the Use Of Mathematics In Daily Life.
Reading and writing activities can help students analyze, interpret and communicate mathematical ideas. These are skills needed to evaluate sources of information and the validity of the information itself, a key competency for mathematically literate citizens. Many of the process skills needed for mathematics are similar to reading skills and ...
The Importance of Writing in Mathematics: Why Writing Allows for a Deeper Understanding of Mathematical Content . Cory Quealy . Abstract. When learning a new subject or course material, writing can be an essential tool for a deeper understanding of content. The importance of writing in mathematics is no different—yet in mathematics, writing
Using "I" in a reflective paper is generally appropriate, and for other types of writing, "we" may be used occasionally. Writing in mathematics should be careful of tense. When describing facts, use present tense (facts are true). When describing experiments or methods, use past tense (experiments were conducted).
Download. Essay, Pages 9 (2027 words) Views. 2399. Learning Mathematics or Math as they call is not easy. For most students Mathematics is not their favorite subject even though as what mathematicians say that Math is in everything, more than just the concepts and figures. For students, math is just a pre-requisite to pass every grade levels or ...
be important, for example, in helping to overcome some fears and blocks toward the learning of the subject. Writing mathematical essays Writing essays on mathematics-related content could pos-sibly help students clarify and develop their conception of mathematics as well as their understanding of specific top-ics.
Writing guides abound, but The Simple Math of Writing Well is one of a kind. Readers will find its practical approach affirming, encouraging, and informative, and its focus on the basics of linguistic structure releases 21st-century writers to embrace the variety of mediums that define our internet-connected world. As Harrop reminds us in the opening chapters of her book, we write more today ...