Description
- Teachers of ELLs in mathematics should identify and explicitly teach high-frequency words that will be used in many different mathematics classes.
- Limit introduction of new vocabulary words to 10 for any one lesson
- Have a reduced list of key words that occur in both conversational and academic language. The words often have multiple meanings and require specific interpretation in the context of mathematics.
- Academic language should not be overly simplified
> use synonyms
> rely less on verbal explanations; use more diagrams, paper models, graphs, etc.
(Adapted from Texas Education Agency, 1999.)
Example (Engage, Explore, Explain)
Note: These examples reflect words that occur across multiple math courses, rather than those that are course-specific.
Equation
Combine
Factor
Figure
Algorithm
Parallelogram
Rotation
Integers
Function
Square
Relations
Trend line
Logarithm
Reflection
Mode |
Positive
Sum
Even (number)
Extension
Mean
Decagon
Hexagon
Variable
Isometric
Range
Slope
Regression
Theorem
Dilation
Compound |
Negative
Square root
Odd (number)
Plot
Bisector
Quadrilateral
Square units
Liter
Base
Domain
Intercept
Exponential
Matrix
Proportional
Composite |
Table
Difference
Estimate
Field
Multiples
Exponent
Hypotenuse
Systems
Net
Independent
Intersection
Line
Transformation
Mean
Properties |
Add
Column
Pattern
Divide
Coordinates
Probability
Translation
Volume
Roots
Dependent
Scatter plot
Quadratic
Axis
Median
Vector |
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