Learning and teaching mathematics in multilingual, bilingual or second language settings can be challenging. This book explores the issues that arise in multilingual mathematics classrooms in Europe, S.Asia, N.America and Australia. Chapter draw on research to offer new insights into the relationship between language, learning and mathematics.

Mathematics classrooms are increasingly multilingual, whether they are found in linguistically diverse societies, urban melting pots or planned bilingual programs. The chapters in this book present and discuss examples of mathematics classroom life from a range of multilingual classroom settings, and use these examples to draw out and discuss key issues for the teaching and learning of mathematics and language. These issues relate to pedagogy, students’ learning, curriculum, assessment, policy and aspects of educational theory. The contributions are based on research conducted in mathematics classrooms in Europe, South Asia, North America and Australia. Recurring issues for the learning of mathematics include the relationship between language and mathematics, the relationship between formal and informal mathematical language, and the relationship between students’ home languages and the official language of schooling.

1 Mathematics in Multilingual Classrooms: An Introductory Discussion - Richard Barwell

2 Mapping the Mathematical Langscape - Frank Monaghan

3 Somali Mathematics Terminology: A Community Exploration of Mathematics and Culture - Susan Staats

4 Politics and Practice of Learning Mathematics in Multilingual Classrooms: Lessons from Pakistan - Anjum Halai

5 Mathematical Word Problems and Bilingual Learners in England - Richard Barwell

6 How Language and Graphs Support Conversation in a Bilingual Mathematics Classroom - Judit Moschkovich

7 Reflections on a Medium of Instruction Policy for Mathematics in Malta - Marie T. Farrugia

8 Bilingual Mathematics Classrooms in Wales - Dylan V. Jones

9 Bilingual Latino Students, Writing and Mathematics: A Case Study of Successful Teaching and Learning - Kathryn Chval and Lena Licon Khisty

10 Mathematics Teaching in Australian Multilingual Classrooms: Developing an Approach to the Use of Classroom Languages - Philip C. Clarkson

11 Where Next for Multilingual Mathematics Classrooms? - Richard Barwell