Communication Skills Communication Skills in Mathematics in Mathematics

ClassroomClassroomDr. Marina DedlovskayaDr. Marina Dedlovskaya

LaGuardia Community College, LaGuardia Community College, CUNYCUNY

November 18, 2006November 18, 2006

Success inProfessional Life

Problem

Solving Skills

Writing Skills

Communication Skills

Classroom Speaking Classroom Speaking ActivitiesActivities

PresentationsPresentations DebatesDebates DiscussionsDiscussions Oral ExamsOral Exams

The First Speech The First Speech AssignmentAssignment

Icebreaker:Icebreaker: Who is Mathematics? Who is Mathematics?

1. If Mathematics were a person how 1. If Mathematics were a person how would you describe him/her?would you describe him/her?

2. Make sure that your portrait includes 2. Make sure that your portrait includes gender, age, personality, appearance, gender, age, personality, appearance, and character traits of Mathematicsand character traits of Mathematics

PresentationPresentation

Sample 1: Sample 1: Building VocabularyBuilding Vocabulary

1.1. Using on-line resources, find the Using on-line resources, find the etymology of the term “Sine”. Why etymology of the term “Sine”. Why do you think this particular word is do you think this particular word is used?used?

2.2. Make a brief presentation (2-3 Make a brief presentation (2-3 minutes) to the class.minutes) to the class.

PresentationPresentation

Sample 2:Sample 2: Cell Phone ServiceCell Phone Service

1.1. Analyze three different plans for cell Analyze three different plans for cell phone service.phone service.

2.2. Decide which one suits you best. Decide which one suits you best. Why?Why?

3.3. Make a “Choosing a Cell Phone Make a “Choosing a Cell Phone Plan” guide for prospective users.Plan” guide for prospective users.

DebateDebate

Should I Learn Math?Should I Learn Math?

1.1. Read the given essay.Read the given essay.

2.2. Prepare an opening statement and Prepare an opening statement and three arguments.three arguments.

3.3. Conduct a debate.Conduct a debate.

DiscussionDiscussion

What is wrong with this solution?What is wrong with this solution?

loglog22xx + log + log22((xx + 5) = 1 + 5) = 1

loglog22[[xx((xx + 5)] = 1 + 5)] = 1

xx((xx + 5) = 1 + 5) = 1

xx = 1 or = 1 or xx + 5 = 1 + 5 = 1

xx = 1 or = 1 or xx = = 4 4AnswerAnswer: {1, : {1, 4} 4}

DiscussionDiscussion

What is wrong with this solution?What is wrong with this solution?

1.1. Locate and describe the mistake in Locate and describe the mistake in the solution presented.the solution presented.

2.2. Why did this mistake occur?Why did this mistake occur?

3.3. How will you avoid this type of error How will you avoid this type of error in the future?in the future?

My Math GradeMy Math Grade

1. Prepare a brief speech addressed to 1. Prepare a brief speech addressed to your math professor about a grade your math professor about a grade you expect to receive in class.you expect to receive in class.

2. Give a few reasons why you want to 2. Give a few reasons why you want to get this particular grade.get this particular grade.

3. What are you going to do to 3. What are you going to do to achieve this grade?achieve this grade?

Oral Communication RubricsOral Communication Rubrics

Logic and Organization Logic and Organization 50%50%

Language Choice and Pragmatics Language Choice and Pragmatics 25%25%

Vocal Delivery Vocal Delivery 15%15%

Nonverbal Skills Nonverbal Skills 10%10%

Logic and OrganizationLogic and Organization

Clear introduction, body and Clear introduction, body and conclusionconclusion

Clear, logical development of the Clear, logical development of the main idea or solutionmain idea or solution

Consistent and adequate use of Consistent and adequate use of materialmaterial

Effective use of visual aids or Effective use of visual aids or technologytechnology

Language Choice and Language Choice and PragmaticsPragmatics

Appropriate use of mathematical Appropriate use of mathematical terminologyterminology

In interactive events, clear evidence of In interactive events, clear evidence of effective listening and relevant effective listening and relevant responsesresponses

In prepared activities, use of creative In prepared activities, use of creative expression and effective phrasingexpression and effective phrasing

Consistent use of Standard American Consistent use of Standard American English grammarEnglish grammar

Vocal DeliveryVocal Delivery

Appropriate fluencyAppropriate fluency Accurate pronunciationAccurate pronunciation Effective vocal variation to convey Effective vocal variation to convey

meaning and emphasismeaning and emphasis

Nonverbal SkillsNonverbal Skills

Appropriate rate and volumeAppropriate rate and volume Consistent eye contactConsistent eye contact Appropriate posture, gestures and Appropriate posture, gestures and

facial expressionfacial expression Appropriate attireAppropriate attire

My Math GradeMy Math Grade

Logic and Organization 50%Logic and Organization 50% Language Choice and Pragmatics 25%Language Choice and Pragmatics 25% Vocal Delivery 15%Vocal Delivery 15% Nonverbal Skills 10%Nonverbal Skills 10%