The importance of engaging students in meaningful mathematical discourse is an essential component of students’ mathematical learning experiences. Math involves a variety of academic terms essential to understanding math concepts. Proficiency in an academic language in all content areas is key to learning and achievement.

Part 1: Mathematical Discourse and Academic Vocabulary

Observe your mentor teach at least two mathematics lessons. During the observations, take note of the following:

Instructional strategies that develop student’s verbal and nonverbal skills

Mathematical discourse, or math talk, used in the classroom. (Math talk can be used in verbal, nonverbal, and spoken and written communication. Observe the classroom environment and notice evidence of mathematical discourse found on classroom walls, desks, supplies, but also in teacher-student and student-student conversations).

Using the “Vocabulary Strategies Chart,” in 250-500 words:

Identify five key academic vocabulary terms from the lessons observed during the clinical field experience

Describe the instructional strategies you observed the mentor using that provide ongoing academic vocabulary development.

Select three instructional strategies that could be used in the lesson to provide opportunities for students to justify and explain their mathematical thinking. The opportunities should include one or more interpersonal communication activities, such as pairs or small groups, and at least one that involves writing and using the math vocabulary being taught.

Part 2: Reflection

Write a 250-500 word reflection that includes the following:

Effective strategies for promoting mathematical discourse citing at least two scholarly sources to support your claims.

Description of how you will promote mathematical discourse and how this supports academic vocabulary development in your classroom students.

ENG-106 Peer Review Worksheet: Proposal Essay

Part of your responsibility as a student in this course is to provide quality feedback to your peers that will help them to improve their writing skills. This worksheet will assist you in providing that feedback. To highlight the text and type over the information in the boxes on this worksheet, double-click on the first word.

Name of the draft’s author: Type Author Name Here

Name of the peer reviewer: Type Reviewer Name Here

Reviewer

After reading through the draft one time, write a summary (3-5 sentences) of the paper that includes your assessment of how well the essay meets the assignment requirements as specified in the syllabus and the rubric.

Type 3-5 Sentence Summary Here

 

 

After a second, closer reading of the draft, answer each of the following questions. Positive answers will give you specific elements of the draft to praise; negative answers will indicate areas in need of improvement and revision. Please be sure to indicate at least three positive aspects of the draft and at least three areas for improvement in reply to the questions at the bottom of this worksheet.

Proposal Content and Ideas

· How effectively does the thesis statement identify the main points that the writer would like to make in this proposal?

Type Answer Here

· How successfully does the paper focus on presenting a well-reasoned proposal?

Type Answer Here

· How persuasively is evidence used to justify ideas and enrich the essay?

Type Answer Here

· How effectively does the essay incorporate strategies that support proposals (e.g., categorical, resemblance, ethical claims, and cause and effect claims)?

Type Answer Here

Organization

· How effectively does the introduction engage the reader while providing an overview of the paper?

Type Answer Here

· Please identify the writer’s thesis and quote it in the box below.

Type Writer’s Thesis Here

· How effectively do the paragraphs develop the topic sentence and advance the essay’s ideas?

Type Answer Here

· How effectively does the conclusion provide a strong, satisfying ending, not a mere summary of the essay?

Type Answer Here

 

 

Format

· How closely does the paper follow APA formatting style? Is it double-spaced in 12 pt. Times New Roman font? Does it have 1″ margins? Does it use headers (page numbers using appropriate header function)? Does it have a proper heading (with student’s name, date, course, and instructor’s name)?

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

· Are all information, quotations, and borrowed ideas cited in parenthetical APA format?

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

· Are all sources listed on the references page in APA format?

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

· Is the required minimum number of sources listed?

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

Language Use and Style

· Are the voice and tone of the essay effective in characterizing ideas and creating the appropriate mood? If “No,” please provide examples of ineffective or inappropriate voice and tone.

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

· How effectively does the paper incorporate a variety of sentence structures that strengthen the ideas, create vitality, and avoid choppiness in the writing?

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

· How would you assess the writer’s diction (i.e., word choice)? Does the writer use active verbs, concrete nouns, and precise words?

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

 

Grammar and Mechanics

· Does the writer use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling? If “No,” please provide examples of errors in need of correction.

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

· Is the writing clear and comprehensible throughout the draft? If “No,” please provide examples in need of improvement.

|_|Yes |_|No Add optional clarification here

 

 

Three things that I liked about your draft are:

1. Type First Thing You Liked

2. Type Second Thing You Liked

3. Type Third Thing You Liked

 

Three things that could be improved are:

1. Type 1st Area for Improvement

2. Type 2nd Area for Improvement

3. Type 3rd Area for Improvement