While many math teachers may not regularly teach vocabulary in their classes, doing so can help students achieve greater success. Furthermore, RTI strategies used to help students with typical vocabulary words can also be used to teach students math vocabulary.
As a model for successful teaching of math vocabulary, I’d like to share an example I saw effectively demonstrated at Permian High School in Odessa, Texas.
Ms. McAnnelly and Ms. Pettus, co-teachers at the tenth grade level, made vocabulary review part of their teaching practice. One of the techniques they used was to choose a state test question and spend five minutes a class period, usually at the end of class, reviewing the vocabulary in that item. They did not spend any time working out the math. They only focused on the vocabulary.
They presented a test question via laptop and projector on a screen. Each student had an index card. They were to review the question presented and list any words that they did not understand on that index card. Given that the class had a large bi-lingual population, this was an especially important exercise. The teachers collected the index cards as the students finished. They then used the information on the cards to drive vocabulary instruction throughout the semester.
In addition to having students list the words on an index card, they discussed the question with the class as a whole. I was fascinated to learn that the students found the question phrase, “Which of the following best represents…” the most challenging part of the test item.
We tend to focus on math skill in preparation for state tests in math, however, we also need to concentrate on vocabulary. Many students may do poorly on the test because of a lack of vocabulary understanding rather than a lack of math skill.
It’s important to teach math vocabulary to all students. It’s critical for non-responders.
Also, teach students to look for clue words in math word problems.
• Clue Words for Addition: Sum, total, in all, perimeter
• Clue Words for Subtraction: Difference, how much more, exceed
• Clue Words for Multiplication: Product, total, area, times
• Clue Words for Division: Share, distribute, quotient, average