Key Stage 3National Strategy

Writing in mathematics

© Crown Copyright 2003

Key Stage 3 National Strategy Mathematics 3.2© Crown Copyright 2003

Objectives for session 3

To consider different types of writing used in mathematics

To look at how writing can be modelled in mathematics lessons

To identify different teaching strategies to develop pupils’ writing in mathematics

Key Stage 3 National Strategy Mathematics 3.3© Crown Copyright 2003

Extract of a question from KS3 mathematics test

Is this statement correct?

Tick () Yes or No.

Yes No

Explain your answer.

Winter mixtureMix 1 part Screenwash

with 4 parts water.

25% of winter mixture is Screenwash.

Key Stage 3 National Strategy Mathematics 3.4© Crown Copyright 2003

Pupils’ explanations

It’s less than a quarter

Screenwash.

One part with four parts.

It’s more than

75% water.

There are more than four

parts.

There are five parts, not four.

Key Stage 3 National Strategy Mathematics 3.5© Crown Copyright 2003

Why model?

To show how something is done

To give pupils an insight into the principles and concepts that lie beneath new skills and techniques

To scaffold learning by supported, structured activities

To help pupils on the way to independence

Key Stage 3 National Strategy Mathematics 3.6© Crown Copyright 2003

Video

What skills, processes or procedures are being modelled?

How does the modelling make explicit the thinking and decisions behind the task?

How does the teacher scaffold the learning following the modelled activity in order to move pupils towards independence?

Key Stage 3 National Strategy Mathematics 3.7© Crown Copyright 2003

Ways of working with pupils to develop writing skills

Getting started

Supporting developments

Nurturing a sense of audience

Developing critical reading and writing