Good Problems: teaching mathematical writing

Many students, especially those in science and engineering, have difficulty effectively communicating mathematical ideas in writing. Furthermore, they often believe that this ability is not important. Employers, however, consider this to be a crucial skill. Instructors would have to side with the employers, but usually do not attempt to teach the students how to write, or that writing is important.

We present here a plan to make writing coherent mathematics a regular part of the students’ experience. This will both improve their writing and teach them that writing is valued in mathematics. We provide materials to teach a set of important writing skills, so the students will not have to guess how to write. This method is designed to be as painless as possible, for the instructors as well as for the students.