A NARRATIVE INQUIRY EXPLORING THE ROLE OF WRITING IN MATHEMATICS TO FOSTER UNDERSTANDING

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in mathematics education research circles, advocating for more opportunities to allow students to be able to communicate their mathematical reasoning process with their peers. This paper takes readers through a narrative inquiry into the role of writing in mathematics, and how creating opportunities for students to writedown their mathematical ideas and the procedures they undergo in solving a problem ‘in their own words’ can increase motivation and interest in the study of mathematics and at the same time help students with developing a deeper understanding of concepts in mathematics, and the skills associated with ‘learning how to learn’ in a safe and collaborative learning environment