Writing to Learn Mathematics: Strategies That Work, K-12

As an aspiring math teacher, I have searched for the best assistance in teaching math. The idea of using writing as a learning tool intrigues me. I have long thought this skill was much neglected in math education. This short, accessible book provides a brief yet thorough view of the subject of writing to learn mathematics. Each chapter provides the whys, the hows, and examples illustrating student's work. The easy-to-use layout increases the book's value as a reference resource for ongoing improvement of instruction. With many books I purchase to advance my knowledge, I read them and discard them. This one I will keep around to keep my instruction at it's best.

One of the few texts that seems to be out there for the mathematics classroom surrounding the idea of writing is the book by Joan Countryman titled, "Writing to Learn Mathematics." I found much of it very interesting and applicable to my work with portfolios and communicating mathematical ideas both orally and in writing. She illustrates different types of writing that can be used in a math class to illicit different kinds of responses from students. Her work includes actual student samples of writing, as well as commentary on what kinds of insight she gained about student understanding (or lack thereof), that might not have been gained from a more traditional test/quiz. If you are interested in incorporating portfolios, math autobiographies, or other kinds of writing in a math classroom, this is an excellent resource.