Strategies in Promoting Communication Skills in Mathematics Classrooms

Abstract

Promoting communication skills in mathematics classrooms has been gained attentions worldwide after recently educational trend has been focused on student-centered approach. A communication skill is one of essential skills that all students should have; however, most of Thai students are deficient in communication skills especially in mathematics classrooms. As needs and awareness of promoting communication skills have been continually and dramatically increased, there is still a lack of knowledge accumulation about promoting communication skills in mathematics classrooms. Therefore, this article is aimed to provide teachers knowledge and understanding of promoting communication skills focusing on reading, writing, and speaking in mathematics classrooms. Three interesting strategies in promoting reading skills in mathematics classrooms are 1) using literature or poetry related to mathematics 2) using reading assignment related to mathematics 3) using “Read-Think-Do (× 2)” model. Two strategies in promoting writing skills in mathematics classrooms are 1) formal writing and 2) informal writing. Finally, three strategies supporting speaking skills in mathematics classrooms are 1) guiding strategy 2) talk through strategy, and 3) classroom discourse. All strategies promoting communication skills in mathematics classrooms are profitable for teachers in using and applying to their mathematics classrooms.