Encourage Student Communication That Focuses on Mathematical Thinking

When teacher talk dominates, students tend to rely on teachers as experts rather than learning that they can come up with their own answers or learn from other students. This approach is meant to encourage more time for student exploration in classrooms, including group and pair work. Students need time to talk and write about what they are thinking and how they understand mathematics, to justify their thinking to others, and to reflect on what they are learning. Students who have opportunities to practice communication of mathematical concepts and procedures in concise, logical, and well-articulated ways—verbally and in writing—are developing important skills for future learning and employment as well as strengthening their understanding of mathematics.

[Hiebert, J., Carpenter, T.P., Fennema, E., Fuson, K.C., Human, P. Murray, H. Olivier, A., Weane, D. (1996). Problem solving as a basis for reform in curriculum and instruction: The case of mathematics. Educational Researcher, 25(4), 12-21.

Rectanus, C. (2006). So you have to teach math? Sound advice for grades 6-8 teachers. Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions.

Click below to learn about the following strategies/topics, including classroom activities and tools you can use:

A. Discussion

B. Writing