Should essay writing be included in the high school maths syllabus?

Question

Are you for or against making essay writing part of the mathematics curriculum?

Answer 1

Grades 1 - 12 have classes in both math and English. I don't think you need to blend that at this point. In general, it's safe to say anyone possessing grade 12 math or lower probably won't be writing too many scientific papers on the subject, or won't be writing them to an audience that requires specific techniques for writing a high quality scientific. In the few cases where this is untrue, they'll have to pick up a book on scientific writing, like David Porush's "A Short Guide to Writing about Science.

Once you get to graduate and post-graduate school I think it's important for mathematicians and other scientists to have a formal education in writing for the sciences. At that point, they've decided that working in the sciences is their career, and they should learn to write in the form dictated to their career. There is sufficient material on writing for the sciences to make an entire course (or two or three) dedicated to the topic.

So while I find writing in the sciences, including math, to be important, I do not think it should be lumped in with any specific course's other material (especially in high school,) and should be offered as an option of its own.

Answer 2

I am definitely for writing being part of the math curriculum. Maybe not essays, but some form of writing, for sure.

Writing can be used to require students to explain how they are coming up with answers. In that way, teachers can evaluate students' thought processes and help them be better mathematicians.

Answer 3

It should not be a primary focus, obviously, but there is nothing wrong with a math teacher requiring some writing as long as that writing still pertains to math. Our district promotes writing across the curriculum, as it reinforces what is being taught in the language arts classroom. In addition, in real life, you do not use skills in isolation, i.e. only using math on one task, only using reading on another--a person must be able to integrate skills, synthesize knowledge, etc.

Answer 4

Writing and essay writing are part of English or Language Arts and NOT math. You're graduating when? I think maybe you need less time in math and more time in the English department.

Answer 5

i agree with that, its not necessary that essays are a part of languages only, well i think writing en essay on the basis of mathematics will help students to remember the basic principles, symbols, theorems etc.