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“Speaking Math: Using Chat in the Multicultural Math Classroom” by Janet Graham and Ted Hodgson

In this article, Graham and Hodgson discuss the online discussion on math vocabulary and concepts. They use Moodle as their course management system (CMS) to facilitate the online discussion, synchronous chat rooms and asynchronous discussion forums. Electronic communication allows non-native speakers time to plan out their answers or use others’ responses as grammatical templates for their own ideas. “Students use ‘smile’ to refer to a concave-up parabola” Graham and Hodgson explain, “and ‘frown’ to refer to one that is concave down.” Online communication gives more practice opportunities to the non-native speakers and others who have difficulties with the language of mathematics. The students using online discussion improve themselves to use more math vocabulary than the students in traditional classrooms.
In conclusion, online discussion on math vocabulary is a good tool to use to help non-native speaker to learn the math easier. This online tool can also be used on other subject matters: science, English, history, physics and others. Students get benefits from this electronic communication tool.

Questions…
1. How to choose the questions?
Teachers should select the main and important concepts and vocabulary to discuss. This will clarify the misunderstanding or miscommunication. Every student will have a chance to promote deeper understandings of their math concepts or vocabulary after the discussion.

2. How to do the time control?
If give a big chunk of time to the students to chat on-line, it is easy to lose focus and out of the task. Teacher should assign the students for 15-minute computer session each period. This will allow the students to focus on their task only. Get on the computer and participate the discussion as much as they could. Then the student’s turn is up. Move to next step.