Language of Functions and Graphs

This mathematics book from the Shell Centre, The Language of Functions and Graphs, is now regarded as a classic book on the teaching and assessment of graph interpretation skills.

The Language of Functions and Graphs focuses on developing fluency in using various mathematical representations to describe and analyse the real world, and on the teaching tactics needed to handle pupil discussion in groups and with the whole class. Unit A of the classroom materials tackles the interpretation and sketching of scatter graphs and line graphs - an area where most pupils need help if they are to go beyond the plotting and reading of points to the global meaning of the graph; this material is accessible to a wide range of abilities. Unit B develops modeling skills - the search for patterns in a realistic situation and their expression in verbal, graphical and algebraic forms: this unit is more challenging. Each Unit takes about two weeks of mathematics time in the 13-16 age range. In addition there is a collection of further problems, as well as the assessment tasks with marking schemes for GCSE.