The language of mathematics, distinct from natural languages, is the system used by mathematics educators, researchers and mathematicians to communicate mathematical ideas logically and precisely with mental images.
Mathematics as a means of communication of ideas has its own grammar (nouns, verbs and adjectives) and sentence construction techniques.
As we know, language is the both a thinking tool and means of conveying or sharing ideas. However, the studies show that math teachers and educators have poor mastery on math language and cognitive scientists have recommended that we needed to improve elementary math instruction.
Also, researches in neuro-science and multiple intelligence theory of learning have suggested that Piagetian approach based on development of strong grammar of math as language and vocabulary in early years through pre-number and number learning activities leads to learning math language with strong mental images leads to meaningful classroom discussions about mathematical concepts.
For example:
Abstract symbol writing: 5 + 5 = 10
Reading of the equation
1. five added to five is equal to ten
2. five plus five equals ten
3. two times five equals ten
4. two fives are ten
Grammar of math
Operational symbols are verbs
Numbers are nouns
To get further idea about language of math, read reflective the math language word cloud as we celebrate the National Mathematics Day, December 22.
Taking cues from the research work on math language, I created a math language course for math teachers which won international acclaim. Here is the news story about it.
Commonwealth Award to Indian educator Dr Lalit Inshore for excellent work in math language
With the formal announcement in January 2019 of Findel-CASTME Education Awards instituted by the Commonwealth Association of Science, Technology Educators (CASTME) in London, Kathleen Nugent, Vice Chair CASTME wrote to Indian award winner Dr. Lalit Kishore of Disha Foundation in Jaipur,
"I am delighted to let you know that the CASTME Trustees were unanimous in their decision to award the Findel CASTME Education Award to you for your entry "Training Primary Teachers To Become Math Language Literates."
Congratulating Dr Kishore for the award, she added that the CASTME Trustees would be very interested to know if he had continued to develop this excellent work saying he will receive a £300 Voucher for equipment or educational resources from the Philip Harris International Primary Catalogue.
Recently, CASTME partnered with Findel International Education Resources and Philip Harris for the award scheme and turned it to an international competition with an an aim to encourage innovations and sharing of best practice across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education worldwide.
The CASTME award scheme has been encouraging interdisciplinary educational innovations that demonstrate the importance of STEM to local environments, schools, higher education institutions, diversity of learners and communities.
The entries for the awards are expected to be evidence-based educational projects, which address the social or human context of STEM disciplines. Widening the scope of the award scheme, it has been decided that the entrants could be a group or an individual involved in any form of education in the widest senses such as formal or informal, within societies can enter including pre-school, Primary, Secondary and higher education level.
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