Mathematical Notations and Procedures of Recent Immigrant Students
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Mathematics is often referred to as a universal language. Compared with the differences in language and culture faced by students who are recent immigrants, the differences in mathematical notation and procedures seem to be minor. Nevertheless, immigrant students confront noticeable differences between the way that mathematical ideas are represented in their countries of origin and the manner that they are represented in the United States. If not addressed, the differences in notation and procedures can add to the difficulties that immigrants face during their first years in a new country.
Footnotes
Isabel perkins has extensive experience teaching mathematics to students who are recent immigrants or whose first language is not English. She uses her students' diverse backgrounds to enrich learning for both students and colleagues.
Alfinio flores During his own schooling, he learned mathematical notations and procedures used in three different countries.
