School Mathematics Reform, Constructivism and Literacy, Article Critique Example

Purpose

The article is about school mathematics reform, constructivism and literacy. It is a case for literacy instruction in the reform-oriented math classroom. It is about a continued call for literacy instruction in the educational curriculum.

Why Was It Written

The article is divided into topics, all which are written regarding the need for literacy instruction in mathematics. The first topic which is school mathematics speaks of a reform that has been on-going in education, yet there still is a need to better establish it. The second topic is about mathematics as constructivism, and how there are many reforms which have advocated mathematics using a constructivist perspective of teaching. The third is showing how literacy instruction is needed in teaching mathematics in the classroom to better facilitate students in learning mathematics.

Argument Support

The arguments are supported by showing the benefits of creating a constructivist classroom. It states that constructivism offers teachers a perspective on looking how other people think. This involves taking into account what the students already know, and what their perspectives are in the subject mathematics. It argues that students want to learn, yet their ideas are always shifting and changing focus. Thus, teachers need to understand the literacy of students to be able to facilitate their learning better in the subject of mathematics. Teachers need to make use of literacy activities designed to help students create their own text and teachers need to adapt to their students’ way of learning.

Advantages / Disadvantages

Advantages

• Well organized
• Simple use of words
• Topics are labeled and structured

Disadvantages

• No first-hand accounts were used
• No statistical data, just theories