Communication Process Standard

The communication process standard is vital to the learning and understanding mathematics. As students ask questions and justify their reasoning behind the solution they found, they are communicating. Students must be able to communicate what they are thinking to others. In order to do this successfully, the student spends time organizing their thoughts and reflecting on what they have done.

The organization of the student's thinking helps them communicate clearly to others. It is important that students are encouraged to communicate their mathematical thinking to others in a clear way. Often, we find that students are intimidated by math, so the constant encouragement to communicate mathematical thinking will help students improve their skills. Teachers should encourage appropriate communication of mathematics as students become older. Students must also learn to communicate in written form.

Communication among peers about mathematics is very important. Discussion among students allows for them to see other perspectives and methods they can use to solve mathematical problems. Discussion of different solutions teaches students to become critical thinkers about mathematics. Students are able to form these critical thinking skills through analysis and evaluation of other students strategies.