Having students write in math class can reveal the nature of students' conceptual problems. Once a teacher ascertains the root of a student's misunderstanding, she can address that particular aspect of the problem, rather than explaining the entire algorithm. For example, one student's writing revealed that the basis of her problem regarding regrouping during subtraction is that she internalized a previous teacher's instruction to begin the problem from the side of the room with the clock. Writing in the college classroom is likewise useful in determining students' understanding of the principles underlying story problems. Dusterhoff, Marilane .
Writing allows students to integrate math concepts into their everyday experiences.
Dusterhoff sketches out six reasons for using writing in a math class, beginning with the claim that math provides interesting topics for students to write about and finishing with the observation that writing helps the teacher gain insight into student learning. Science and Math Professors are Assigning Writing Drills to Focus Students' Thinking. Retyped from The Chronicle of Higher Education , Jan. 22, 1986. Quotes faculty who do this, and ones who don't. Discusses benefits for teachers and students.