English Language Learners and Math

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.

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.