Use your words
A recent large-scale study from the United States, carried out in Upper Elementary (primary) schools found that:
- Students’ exposure to mathematical vocabulary varied substantially across lessons and between teachers, and
- More is required than just exposing students to mathematical vocabulary.
- Teachers who more frequently model mathematical vocabulary use are more effective at raising student test scores.
Himmelsbach, Z., Hill, H. C., Liu, J., & Demszky, D. (2025). A Quantitative Study of Mathematical Vocabulary Use in Upper Elementary Classrooms. Educational Researcher, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189X251393232
You might like to know that the top ten words students hear in mathematics at that level:
add(ition), multipl(y), fraction, whole, divide, line,
hundred, hundredth, angle, decimal
I wonder how many students can explain what those words mean?
If you are looking for support on this topic see our resources on mathematical literacies.
