The Problem with Words in Teaching Mathematics in a Second Language

• Main Authors: Chan, Kah Vein, Mousley, Judith A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: INTI Publishing House Sdn. Bhd. 2006
• Subjects: QA Mathematics
• Online Access: http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/367/1/2006_10.pdf; http://eprints.intimal.edu.my/367/

This paper is a report of a research on how Chinese Malaysian students who have been schooled in a tradition of technical Mathematics responded to mathematical word problems that required language comprehension and appreciation of problem contexts. The challenges faced were investigated, using action research, in a business college context where the students come from a trilingual background. It was found that rewording word problems and allowing code switching ¡n discussions helped students’ understanding, and using word problems as starting points and extensions enriched the lessons because it facilitated verbalization and discussions. The perspective advanced in this article provides cross-cultural insights into the processes of teaching and learning in general. From this perspective, this article may offer insight for professionals in various disciplines.