Card Trick Exercise Leads to Improved Reading of Mathematics Texts. Issue 2 (7th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carducci, Olivia M.
• Is Part Of: PRIMUS. Volume 30:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2020-02-07
• Subjects: Reading math textbooks -- reading activity -- instructions; Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; 510.711
• DOI: 10.1080/10511970.2018.1506536
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-1970

Abstract

Abstract: The activity described in this paper is based on the idea that reading an introductory undergraduate mathematics text is similar to reading instructions. I want my students to think about how to read when the goal is to learn to complete a task. I give them written instructions for doing a card trick and ask them to complete the trick. The subsequent discussion helps the students identify the reading strategies they used to complete the card trick; for example, reread the step to make sure you got it right. I point out the connections to reading their mathematics textbooks.