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© 2014 Pacific Crest
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1.3
Learning to Read Mathematics
P
urpose
The role this topic plays in quantitative reasoning
Reading is one of the primary markers of literacy, the ability to read for knowledge and interest, write
coherently, and think critically about the written word. There is direct correlation between literacy levels
and socioeconomic standing; the more literate a people, the more likely they are to be able to educate
themselves, improve their employment prospects, and make better-informed choices in every respect.
For this reason, reading is one of the most critical skills for a self-grower—once you are a competent and
critical reader of mathematics, the world mathematics is yours for the taking.
Unfortunately, most individuals set much lower expectations for what they learn during reading than
is actually possible. The reading process can be closely connected to the learning process, and thus the
quality and depth of knowledge construction can be impressive when reading. Every day we read for
learning and are satisfied with merely gathering information when in fact we could be quickly applying
the increased knowledge that can result from reading for
learning
into our lives.
L
earning Goals
What you should learn while completing this activity
1. Appreciate that reading performance can be analyzed.
2. Learn to apply the Reading Methodology to the process of learning mathematics.
3. Use a Reading Log to increase the performance in reading for learning.
2. Link the steps of the Reading Methodology to the steps of the Learning Process Methodology.
D
iscovery
Finding out for yourself
Complete a Reading Log for the reading in this experience. Everything you need to know about
completing a Reading Log is contained in the reading itself, including examples of completed Reading
Logs.
W
hat Do You Already Know?
Tapping into your existing knowledge
1. What role does vocabulary play when you’re reading a mathematics textbook?
2. What role do determining your purpose and learning objectives play when you’re reading
mathematics?
3. What is it that you want to accomplish when you get a quick overview of the pages you’re reading?
4. What role do asking and answering questions play in the reading process?
5. What role do examples and discussion of examples play to produce understanding in reading?