Mathematics: A Second Language

For many mathematically challenged students, the thought of working a mathematics problem evokes fear, a tightening of the stomach, and overpowering feelings of anxiety. Such anxiety is just one of the factors contributing to many students' struggle to learn mathematics. Thus, one solution may be to create a classroom where fears can be left at the door and immersion in the language of mathematics can occur. Here, Jones et al describes how mathematics can be defined as a second language and the instructional methods that result from this perspective.