Dalarna University's logo and link to the university's website

du.sePublications
Change search
CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • chicago-author-date
  • chicago-note-bibliography
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf
Defining and measuring quality in students' mathematical writing: a systematic literature review
Dalarna University, School of Teacher Education, Mathematics Education.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-0386-1482
University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg.
University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg.
University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg.
2024 (English)In: Mathematics Education Research Journal, ISSN 1033-2170, E-ISSN 2211-050XArticle, review/survey (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Mathematical communication, encompassing writing in, about, and for mathematics, is a critical competency. Defining excellent mathematical writing standards, however, remains challenging. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of 48 scholarly works on quality in mathematical writing. Our findings reveal mathematical writing for different purposes under scrutiny, including general mathematical writing, proof writing, reflective writing, expository writing, and descriptive writing during problem solving. To assess quality, researchers explore a variety of facets, such as syntax and semantics. Progression pathways vary, with both quantitative and qualitative evaluations-analysing text structure, writing style, and the use of different semiotic elements. It seems that in mathematics education, a consensus on quality measurement remains elusive. Proof writing is a notable exception. Among reviewed articles examining proof writing, a common set of standards emerges and provides valuable guidance. We propose that mathematical writing, perhaps especially in the context of reporting solutions in problem solving, can draw from proof writing standards. 'Good' mathematical writing would then require students to focus on (1) defining assumptions and assigning variables; (2) producing a coherent narrative, including relevant calculations (semantic issues); (3) using correct language, representations, and mathematical symbols (syntax issues); and (4) attending to what is appropriate in the context.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2024.
Keywords [en]
Literature review, Mathematical writing, Quality, Progression
National Category
Didactics
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:du-49342DOI: 10.1007/s13394-024-00501-4ISI: 001299697000001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85202453999OAI: oai:DiVA.org:du-49342DiVA, id: diva2:1896984
Available from: 2024-09-11 Created: 2024-09-11 Last updated: 2025-10-09Bibliographically approved

Open Access in DiVA

fulltext(870 kB)109 downloads
File information
File name FULLTEXT01.pdfFile size 870 kBChecksum SHA-512
ae71718eff65f667bf090ff451442c7b30619d88d33532b66e9e1da25dc21ae04e9c4da19387fc354b950d1fca9f66033b456c462f0c8599f5ebe77d945ba6d9
Type fulltextMimetype application/pdf

Other links

Publisher's full textScopus

Authority records

Teledahl, Anna

Search in DiVA

By author/editor
Teledahl, Anna
By organisation
Mathematics Education
In the same journal
Mathematics Education Research Journal
Didactics

Search outside of DiVA

GoogleGoogle Scholar
Total: 110 downloads
The number of downloads is the sum of all downloads of full texts. It may include eg previous versions that are now no longer available

doi
urn-nbn

Altmetric score

doi
urn-nbn
Total: 194 hits
CiteExportLink to record
Permanent link

Direct link
Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • ieee
  • modern-language-association-8th-edition
  • vancouver
  • chicago-author-date
  • chicago-note-bibliography
  • Other style
More styles
Language
  • de-DE
  • en-GB
  • en-US
  • fi-FI
  • nn-NO
  • nn-NB
  • sv-SE
  • Other locale
More languages
Output format
  • html
  • text
  • asciidoc
  • rtf