V is for Vocabulary
Maths is often regarded as a universal language as digits, symbols and equations hold the same meaning regardless of the language. However, the vocabulary of maths can often make the subject more challenging than people realise. This challenge arises from several factors, including mathematical terms having multiple meanings, the abstract nature of mathematical terms, and therefore the lack of contextual clues that can help in understanding these terms. In this blog post, we will explore how vocabulary can complicate learning maths and offer some examples and insights into this issue.
Same Word Different Meaning
One of the primary challenges in learning maths is the use of vocabulary that can hold different meanings. Here are a few examples:
Minus: This can be used to describe a negative number and can also be used to mean subtraction.
There is also the challenge of maths terms holding a different meaning to the word used in every day context. For example,
Rational: Typically, rational means sensible or logical in common usage. In maths, a rational number is any number that can be expressed as a fraction. Numbers which can’t be written as a fraction are called irrational, these prove to be incredibly useful in maths. Pi is probably the most well known and has fascinated mathematicians for millennia.
Real: In daily conversations, real means actual or existing. In maths, real numbers include all the rational and irrational numbers, essentially all numbers that can be found on the number line. This definition is far removed from the everyday use of the word.
The Abstract Nature of Mathematical Terms
Mathematical terms are inherently abstract, which means they often do not provide any context clues to their meaning. Unlike other subjects where students maybe able to use context and other words in the sentence to provide clues to the meaning of the word. In maths this is not always the case.
For example:
Factorise
Find the derivative of the following function
Mathematical vocabulary often does not allow for partial understanding. You either know the term and can apply it correctly, or you do not.
Strategies for Overcoming Vocabulary Challenges
Given these challenges, how can students and educators address the difficulties posed by mathematical vocabulary? Here are a few strategies:
Explicit Teaching of Vocabulary: Educators should spend time explicitly teaching the vocabulary of maths. This includes providing clear definitions, examples, and non-examples, and using visual aids where possible.
Contextual Learning: Whenever possible, mathematical terms should be introduced within the context of a problem or application. This helps students see the relevance and utility of the terms.
Encouraging Questions: Students should be encouraged to ask questions whenever they encounter unfamiliar terms. Creating an open and supportive classroom environment can help reduce the intimidation factor of abstract terms.
Use of Analogies and Metaphors: Drawing parallels between mathematical concepts and more familiar ideas can aid in understanding. For instance, comparing the word factorise with work they have done already like factors as you are looking for common factors between the terms.
Conclusion
The vocabulary of maths presents a unique set of challenges that can make the subject difficult for many students. The use of words with multiple meanings, the abstract nature of terms, and the all-or-nothing understanding required by many mathematical concepts can be daunting. However, with deliberate teaching strategies, contextual learning, and a supportive educational environment, these challenges can be mitigated. By acknowledging and addressing the vocabulary issue, educators can help students build a stronger foundation in maths and foster greater confidence in their mathematical abilities.
