Debunking the Myths

Math is easy because it's all numbers.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

ALL Math is very language dependent, but especially word problems. Math has it's own vocab that students must be able to navigate.

MLs may be slower at math than native English speakers.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

MLs might be slower during math for the same reason they might be slower during reading, they may need to process math through their first language and through math processes they were taught before that may differ from ours.

If student can't explain their answer, then they don't understand the problem.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

ML students may understand what to do and how to do it, but not have the expressive language necessary to explain in English what they know or understand.

Math is the same all over the world.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Math in many countries is focused on calculation only. Students world wide are not taught through story problems and mathematical thinking the way we teach in the US.

Students can demonstrate understanding without showing their work.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Your MLs may come from a culture where mental math is demanded from an early age, and they may not fully understand, or see the need to write down what they can do in their heads.

All kids are taught shapes, rounding and estimating in early Elementary/Primary School.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Because many countries focus on calculating and mental math, geometry, rounding, and estimating may not be taught until middle or high school. Also, subjects aren't spiraled in many countries.

Translating math vocabulary is not a good strategy for MLs.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Every math term doesn't easily translate, and students haven't necessarily been exposed to that word or concept in L1 (first language).

Manipulatives are easy to use.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Many countries don't use manipulatives, so students may not get the concept, or may see it as playing/childish.

Numbers are numbers!

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Formation of numbers differ from culture to culture.

Students may use many different processes to arrive at an answer.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Based on the system of math used in their country, MLs may arrive at the correct answer with a different strategy or process.