Math Content Standard C: Communication

Key Elements

• Mathematics is a multidimensional language that requires the communicating group to simultaneously interpret between symbols, words, and models. Each of these communication tools is more or less useful depending upon the context of the mathematical problem, the culture of the communicators, and the complexity and specificity of the problem.
• Often an idea can be validated in one communication mode more easily than in others. Instruction should allow students to use the communication modality that best explains their reasoning.
• Mathematical reasoning can be communicated with concrete objects, pictures of concrete objects, oral and written language, and mathematical symbols. Students should learn to use all of these modalities to explain their mathematical thoughts.
• Children learn mathematical reasoning better in a community of learners that requires them to explain their thoughts and listen to other's explanations.

Big Ideas in Communication of Mathematics

• Oral, written, concrete, pictorial, graphical, algebraic and technological communication modes
• Creating mathematical ideas through formulating questions, conjectures, definitions, and generalization about data and problems
• Refining and clarifying mathematical ideas through individual and group reflections
• Connecting the reasoning between procedures and concepts