Mathematics vocabulary differentially predicts mathematics achievement in eighth grade higher- versus lower- achieving students: Comparisons across two countries

The effects of language instruction on math development

“…The association between vocabulary knowledge and mathematical performance is moderated by task demands (Lin et al, 2021; Peng et al, 2020) and individual variations in mathematical and vocabulary knowledge (Peng et al, 2020; Ünal et al, 2021). For example, whereas some tasks can be performed with minimal or even no vocabulary knowledge (e.g., selecting the larger of two approximate magnitudes; Spelke & Tsivkin, 2001), others draw heavily on vocabulary (e.g., word problems; Lin et al, 2021).…”

“…Accordingly, performance on language‐demanding math tasks suffers when a person’s relevant vocabulary knowledge is limited, as occurs when attempting to solve a word problem in an unfamiliar language (Xu et al, 2021). Furthermore, as mathematical skill increases, the relative importance of vocabulary diminishes (Ünal et al, 2021). This suggests that vocabulary instruction may be particularly important in the initial phases of learning and with new mathematical content.…”

Relations Between Mathematical Vocabulary and Children’s Mathematical Performance

“…In summary, the results of these studies (Fuchs et al, 2015;Ünal et al, 2021) extended findings from studies of preschool children and showed that mathematical vocabulary is related to early numerical knowledge and also facilitated the learning of advanced mathematical skills. Given the significant role of mathematical vocabulary in learning mathematics, it is important for educators to understand how mathematical vocabulary and mathematical performance are linked.…”

“…Researchers examined this relation using children with different age groups and found correlations between mathematical vocabulary and different mathematics performances were moderate and significant (Fuchs et al, 2015;Purpura & Logan, 2015;Purpura & Reid, 2016;Toll & Van Luit, 2014;Ünal et al, 2021). In a meta-analysis study, summarized that the average correlation between mathematical vocabulary and mathematics performance was .49.…”

“…Mathematical vocabulary was treated as a unitary construct in many studies (Fletcher & Santoli, 2003;Kostos & Shin, 2010;Purpura, Logan, et al, 2017;Purpura & Reid, 2016;Ünal et al, 2021). Other researchers, however, have suggested that math vocabulary is not a unitary construct (Fuchs et al, 2015;Monroe & Panchyshyn, 1995;Peng & Lin, 2019;Powell & Nelson, 2017).…”