Teaching Science and Math 
 Writing about Math

Writing in math is an excellent way to develop a deeper understand about the math you are learning about.

By explaining how you solved a math problem, how you developed a formula to solve a problem, or how you applied a math concept requires critical thinking.

When you write about math you must use your minds as you formulate a logical explanation of how you solved a math problem. 

When you write how you solved the problem using sentences or a short story, your true understanding and misconceptions become readily apparent. This is why writing in math is a useful strategy for assessing understanding of math concepts.

Checklist

Using this checklist as overall guidance will help you grasp the fundamentals of how writing in math is different than other subjects.

• Clearly restate the problem.

• State the answer in a complete sentence which stands on its own.

• Clearly state the assumptions which underlie the formulas.

• Provide a paragraph which explains how the problem will be solved.

• Clearly label diagrams, tables, graphs, or other visual representations.

Writing Prompts

Often the best way to assess students’ prior knowledge and experiences with math is to provide a situation in which they must explain a math concept or math situation. The following are a few examples of writing prompts that can be used to stimulate student thinking:

• Tips I would give a friend to solve this problem are____________, ____________, and ____________.

• Where else could you use this type of problem solving?

• What other strategies could you use to solve this problem?

• The most important part of solving a problem is____________.

• You know several ways to____________(solve an equation, add fractions, etc.) Which method is your favorite? Why?

• Write instructions for a (insert grade level here) grader to follow when (adding fractions, finding percentages, calculating averages, etc.)

• Give two examples of situations in which you have used, seen or can find the concept of ____________. OUTSIDE of this classroom.

• Write a definition in your own words of a ____________.

• Compare and contrast the terms ____________.

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