Mathematics Education Research Blog: A researcher's attempt to follow his field

Blog: The Language of Mathematics
Date: 30 March 2009
Description: This blog focused on the impact of language when teaching mathematics. It delved into the issue that one's tongue determines how mathematics is taught, absorbed, and conceptualized.
Topic: A recent book titled, The Language of Mathematics by Bill Barton has been published. This work explores the connection between mathematics and language, how different languages influence concepts and ideas, and the delivery of the subject. Also, the book was a suggested text for graduate students, educators, and any others interested in the subject matter.
Fortunately, the approach of this blog was interesting. It discussed mathematics in a way that I have not been exposed to, but wanted to attempt in my instruction. I felt that if I could change the delivery of mathematics then it would change the way students treat and respond to the material. Oftentimes, children have a distaste for math because it was not introduced to them in a mentally appetizing manner. Thus, it forces teachers to take more responsibility for the way they teach math, the manner in which they understand and approach math, and analyze the way math was taught to them.
Also, this is a powerful text because it shows the connected nature of mathematics and literacy. Too often, these subjects are not created equally and their relationship is not stressed until after they have been taught as separate entities. Fortunately, it has urged me to implement more literacy into my math instruction, stress to my students that their subjects are all connected, and, hopefully, this would encourage students to have a greater appreciation for their education.
Although I received a response for this blog, it was in agreement to my comments. There were no further responses.