Writing and Mathematical Problem Solving: Arguments in Favor of Synthesis

Journal Writing: Enlivening Elementary Linear Algebra

“…As a result, students come to view the journals as both an organizational tool and a resource for reviewing. These observations are consistent with the conclusion that student journals are a powerful methodology for aiding students in their learning of mathematical subject matter [1,2,4]. September 1999 Volume IX Number 3…”

“…To find the eigen values of a square matrix we need to solve det (A - (1) = O. This is the same as finding and solving the characteristic polynomial.…”

Comprehending Mathematical Concepts: Relating Reading and Writing to Mathematical Performance

“…Bell & Bell (1985), in a mathematics study, concurred with Emig's notion that writing is an encoding activity "that encourages students to reprocess their thoughts by rereading and reexamining their conceptions" (p. 214). Johnson (1983) supported the use of writing by concluding that "If students can write clearly about mathematical concepts, then it is apparent that they understand them" (p. 117).…”

“…Wilde (1991) warned of this and encouraged teachers to use writing less formally to focus on thinking rather than the prsentation. In contrast, Bell & Bell (1985) used writing as a means for students to explain the process and steps used in mathematical problem solving as well as to explain how they determined what to do. Students had to think, compute, and write at the same time.…”

An investigation of the extent to which writing activities are used in mathematics classes

“…Their findings add support for using such activities. Bell and Bell (1985) working with two grade 9 classes, found that having students explain in writing the processes and steps being used resulted in improved problem solving compared with students in a control class. Evans (1984) studied the effect of using written explanations on student test scores and found significant improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group.…”