teaching with writing

mathematics syllabi

Mathematics is often described as a non-verbal discipline, one in which thinking and the communication of thinking is done purely in numerical systems. The designers of standardized tests seem to agree; most tests divorce verbal from mathematical proficiencies. The appropriateness of writing assignments in mathematics courses might seem questionable to some, but the integration of prose into the field of mathematics is not new. Most mathematics instructors design and use word problems to help students apply mathematical concepts to "real" life. Common also are assignments in which students are asked to provide verbal explanations of mathematical concepts and methods they used in finding solutions. According to Annalisa Crannell, mathematics scholar, professor and author of Guide to Writing in Mathematics, "professional mathematicians spend most of their time writing: communicating with colleagues, applying for grants, publishing papers, writing memos and syllabi. Writing well is extremely important to mathematicians, since poor writers have a hard time getting published, getting attention from … deans, and obtaining funding. It is ironic but true that most mathematicians spend more time writing than they spend doing mathematics."

sample syllabi

• Mathematics 4428, Mathematical Modeling: an upper-division course that focuses on translating between real-world problems and mathematical language. Assignments include two presentations (with written proposals) based on modeling a problem, determining a solution, and communicating the results.
  
  
• Mathematics 3283W, Sequences, Series, and Foundations: an upper-division writing-intensive course intended as an introduction to advanced mathematical concepts and reasoning.
  
  
• Mathematics 189, Experiencing Mathematics Through Writing: an introductory writing seminar with formal and informal writing assignments designed to help students learn mathematical concepts and strengthen their writing. The course emphasizes the importance of writing in mathematics.

Crannell, Annalisa. A Guide to Writing in Mathematics Classes. Franklin & Marshall College. 1994. 31 Jan. 2003 <http://www.fandm.edu/Departments/
Mathematics/writing_in_math/guide.html>.

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