Valerie Faulkner of North Carolina State University argues for a shift in the mathematical language we use. The Common Core should give us pause and force us to reconsider the terminology and vocabulary we employ in describing certain skills and concepts. Here are a few examples:
Old Habit (eliminate) New Habit (adopt)
Defining equality as “ same as” Defining equality as “same value as”
Calling digits numbers Clearly distinguishing between digits, numbers and numerals
Addition makes things bigger Addition is about combining
Subtraction makes things get smaller Subtraction is about difference
Let’s borrow from the tens place Use regrouping, trading, decomposing
Multiplication makes things bigger Teach 3 structures of multiplication
Divison makes things smaller Teach the different structures of divisions,
Doesn’t go into Prepare students for later learning by using accurate language
Saying “and” means decimal point Don’t create false rules for language using and
Canceling out Explicitly use and discuss the idea behind simplifying
Referring to “the answer” Use the model or the relationships to justify your answer
Guess-and-check as a strategy Teach systematic math representations
Old habits die hard, but this is food for thought as many districts get farther into implementing the Common Core.
