Enhancing Vocabulary for an Improved Mathematics Performance

The author is Teacher III at San Manuel High School Jhorich S. Contreras

Mathematics, to some, is a burden. Without considering the benefits, each one could get from knowing this, many of us would rather not study mathematics in school. This is especially true when students frown their heads in attempting to solve mathematical problems, and yet nothing happens. These scenarios are so true that many teachers also share the same plight. What do we think is the problem that is happening relative to this mathematics teaching and learning situation? Well, mathematics is taught in English, especially at the higher grade levels. Since English is the medium of instruction, learners need to enhance their vocabulary to understand the words and ideas hidden in a certain mathematical problem. Familiarization with the different terms in mathematics could also help learners understand the mathematical concepts. Their language structure abilities could also help them process, analyze, and solve problems. As mathematics teachers, we also need to be language teachers so we can help address the language skills problems of learners. W e can do some techniques where we can allow our learners to enhance their mathematical skills and, at the same time, their language skills to better facilitate understanding of the numbers associated with problem-solving. Presenting the problem at the level of language they are familiar with is another thing to do to make learning mathematics more interesting and easier for them. Making contextualized problem situations is also an avenue for more relevant mathematics exploration and discussion. Let’s all try to make learners fall in love with numbers. Let’s provide them with opportunities to allow them to enjoy learning math, to allow them to dream big, and to allow them to feel the infinite magic numbers can bring.