“Writing to Learn” in a Math Classroom Essay - 889 Words

Theory of â€Å"Write to Learn† Reading and writing are the basis of the original meaning of literacy. This definition, however, changed over time and culture. The term has expanded to include computer literacy, digital literacy, information literacy, health literacy, etc. (Vacca, Vacca, Mraz, 2011). Nevertheless, the most important change to the term literacy is expanding the use of reading and writing. Literacy is defined as understanding, thinking and practicing the use of language in different cultural/social settings through the use of all types of media which allows people to communicate and make meanings (Vacca et al., 2011). To support this new meaning of literacy, specifically in the classroom, a new method or strategy has emerged†¦show more content†¦Furthermore, it allows students to investigate and make sense of their learning through writing. Lastly, â€Å"write to learn† activities allow all students, specifically English Learners, practice Engli sh writing skills and vocabulary in multiple contexts. Students can never have too much practice in writing. Allowing students to write in their mathematics classes gives them a chance to continue this practice as well as adopt a whole new vocabulary collection, specifically in math. Connections to Sociocultural Theory The â€Å"write to learn† strategy can be successfully used in a mathematics classroom alongside a lesson applying sociocultural theory. Sociocultural theory, as founded by Lev Vygotsky, emphasizes the role of society and culture as leaders in teaching students (Ormrod, 2011). Vygotsky also proposed that play, or acting certain jobs, and apprenticeships, learning a job by watching an adult, are both very important basis in helping students advance through their ZPD, the zone of proximal development, where students are challenged with tasks that lead them to their full development or potential (Ormrod, 2011). One example of play from sociocultural theory is having students write unset letters, a â€Å"write to learn† activity (Vacca et al., 2011). If students were studying the history of the Pythagorean Theorem, for example, they can write a letter to Pythagoras thanking him for the theorem andShow MoreRelatedNational Assessment Of Edu cational Progress752 Words   |  4 Pagesthe 8th and 12th grades in 2008, students scored high on the writing portion, but low in mathematics (Wilcox, Monroe 2017). Fortunately, many teachers are integrating math into multiple disciplines such as writing and literacy, technology, science, social sciences and concrete or real-life examples, and music. Teachers are asked to blend mathematics into writing so students can think, write and discuss their thinking to understand the math content on a deeper level of understanding. According toRead MoreThe Influence Of Aiden On The Classroom1443 Words   |  6 PagesAiden Aiden is very socially aware and has positive peer relationships in the classroom. He is able to solve problems and is not afraid to speak when he has a concern. Aiden is very eager to learn in both language arts and mathematics, he works really hard and puts in effort in order to build his fluency and accuracy when reading and adding his numbers. He is able to understand basic addition word problems and solve for the unknown using pictures, dots, or manipulatives. 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