English Language Learners and Math

Discourse, Participation, and Community in Reform-Oriented, Middle School Mathematics Classes

By:
Holly Hansen-Thomas, Texas Woman’s University

Published 2009

Taking a community of practice perspective that highlights the learner as part of a community, rather than a lone individual responsible for her/his learning, this ethnographically-influenced study investigates how Latina/o English Language Learners (ELLs) in middle school mathematics classes negotiated their learning of mathematics and mathematical discourse. The classes in which the Latina/o students were enrolled used a reform-oriented approach to math learning; the math in these classes was—to varying degrees—taught using a hands-on, discovery approach to learning where group learning was valued, and discussions in and about math were critical.

This book presents the stories of how six immigrant and American-born ELLs worked with their three teachers of varied ethnicity, education, experience with second language learners, and training in reform-oriented mathematics curricula to gain a degree of competence in the mathematical discourse they used in class. Identity, participation, situated learning, discourse use by learners of English as a Second Language (ESL), framing in language, and student success in mathematics are all critical notions that are highlighted within this school-based research.

CONTENTS
Introduction. Guide to Transcription Conventions. 1 Background. 2 Introducing the Three Communities. 3 Communities of Practice in Three Sixth-Grade Math Classes. 4 Frames as Play and Participation Frameworks in Reform Math. 5 What Is Mathematical Discourse, How Is it Used, and Who Is Successful at It? 6 Conclusions and Implications. References. About the Author.