The approach I have taken is to ask them to write about how they feel about math and to describe their past experiences in math courses through the medium of an autobiography. Most students at the developmental math level and many others at the college math level have strong math anxieties. Perhaps many of us do also. The autobiography encourages students to reflect upon their reactions to previous math classes and to experiences they have had which may have created their math anxieties. This is especially true in the field of mathematics, science and technology.
Students often feel that they have abilities only in one area such as English.
By associating writing with technical classes we begin, even if indirectly, to expand students awareness of their abilities in these areas. An example of a success story regarding the benefit of writing in math involves an older, returning student who was majoring in English and took my beginning algebra course during a Fall semester. Her math anxiety level and lack of confidence was virtually paralyzing her on exams. She had written a five page autobiography prior to class in which she stressed her interest and ability in writing. I was convinced that through writing she could come to understand math.