Begin the year by discussing what rich discourse is, the rationale for it, and answering the What’s In It for Me question by specifying ways students benefit. This is a very specific instructional strategy that develops a routine around eliciting students’ thinking from a … Classroom discourse, technology, and worthwhile mathematical tasks have emerged as key components in developing this type of instruction and in how students learn mathematics. Mathematical Discourse: Let the Kids Talk! I have used Gallery Walks in the past, but I wanted to focus on listening closely to students’ discussions as they rotated through the “Gallery.” I found a great explanation for a gallery walk at “Gallery Walk, Math Congress and Bansho.” (Source). What I have been underestimating is how much it would help me. Your email address will not be published. Great suggestions! Mathematical classroom discourse is about whole-class discussions in which students talk about mathematics in such a way that they reveal their understanding of concepts. I am talking capital “N” for Number and capital “T” for Talks. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I am looking at Properties of Exponents (8th grade). Students can make conjectures, link prior knowledge to current understanding… If anyone has any suggestions for how to promote good student math discussions, or tips for being a better listener, please share! coronavirus.dc.gov … Talking Math: 6 Strategies for Getting Students to Engage in Mathematical Discourse, … How to Improve Mathematical Discourse in Your Classroom, … Three Ways I’ve Become A Better Listener, Tags: listeningmath talkMeaningful MathMichelle Russellstudent conversationsteacher listening. How I can become a better listener and actually focus on what my students are saying. Talking Math: 6 Strategies for Getting Students to Engage in Mathematical Discourse … How to Improve Mathematical Discourse in Your Classroom … Three Ways I’ve Become A Better Listener … Student Discourse Observation Protocol. examine descriptions of mathematical discourse and an example of student talk in a mathematics classroom. In my own classroom my attention is divided. She began her career as a student teacher in middle school and has taught students from 7th to 12th grade. In practice, I do find it easier to focus when taking short notes. Students engage in mathematical reasoning and debate. Such questions help students: Work together to make sense of mathematics. Classroom discourse can be a central element of acquiring mathematical … Michelle Russell (@michel1erussel1) is a math teacher at Florence (AL) High School. With your goals in mind, you can plan out how to follow the discourse practices. It has been amazing to see what they write and how well they understand each concept. Another strategy that I want to try is called a Gallery Walk. On the way home (it was a six-hour drive) I started thinking about why I seemed to get so much more from listening to students during this workshop than I usually do in my own classroom. In Mia Buljan’s 2nd grade classroom, students and teacher enter into active and productive mathematical discourse. When done in a collaborative and supportive learning environment, this can support achievement of higher order thinking skills, as required by the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. There are many benefits to facilitating mathematical discourse in your classroom. I like the idea of the "Waiting room". A challenge faced by math educators of all levels is how to engage students in their mathematical content through rich discussion or discourse. Required fields are marked *. Share this: View the Guidance. Homeschooling in the District of Columbia, Guiding Principles for Continuous Education, Licensing Process for Child Care Providers, Common Core State Standards - Mathematics, Strategies for Developing Mathematical Discourse in the Classroom Webinar PowerPoint.pdf. Students appreciate that the twenty-first-century classroom and workplace are settings in which people from often widely divergent cultures and who represent diverse experiences and perspectives must learn and work together. In addition, Webb and colleagues have argued that the help received is beneficial only if the student requesting it understands the explanation given and … I think my attempts to multi-task have caused me to develop some bad listening habits, which has kept me from really benefiting when I try to listen to students’ discussions about math. Although I can’t eliminate distractions in my own teaching space, I can control how I respond to them. I also like the idea of asking a group to share their strategy. So, I am glad I had this opportunity because it reminded me how important math talk is in the classroom. This is great – I am always eavesdropping on my student discussions. Examples of student discourse and teacher-student discussions are provided. Model with mathematics. In this Encouraging talk about math in the classroom is easier with question stems. Academic discussions, precise language, and the ability to communicate multiple approaches to solving problems are the foundation of mathematical thinking. In the coming months I plan to spend more time listening and providing students with an opportunity to talk to each other. After we return from Christmas Break will be a great time to incorporate a MARS lesson. This article illustrates how research about mathematical discourse can be translated into practice. Students also learn to engage in mathematical reasoning and debate. Another means of communication that we are working on to deepen understanding is writing in mathematics. Strategies (activities) that would promote student conversations about math and would fit into my current classroom routine. Here, you will find examples from throughout the school year on: Modeling and Encouraging Active Listening Using Precise Language Structured Talk Paraphrasing and Extending Discourse I totally agree with you that student collaboration and discussion is key to deepening understanding in math. Groups rotate until every group has had a chance to visit each chart poster, giving students an opportunity to “discuss their classmates’ solutions.” As students are having these discussions, the teacher listens, observes, and “gauges student understanding.”. provides teachers with the tools they need to facilitate mathematical discourse in the 21st century classroom and create opportunities for students to think constructively, communicate effectively, and increase mathematics proficiency. Give Them Time to Read, 9 Ways to Support Staff and Teachers Right Now, Promote Student Efficacy and Lifelong Learning, Key Insights for New and Aspiring School Leaders, Effective Questioning During Virtual Learning, Practical Wisdom for Scholar-Practitioners, Offering Student Choice Using a Menu Strategy, A Vision of Schoolwide Technology Integration, Tools to Grow Students’ Science Understanding, Powered by  - Designed with the Hueman theme. Thanks so much for sharing this post with me! These were not my students and we were not in my classroom, nor my school. Asking better questions can open doors for students, promoting mathematical thinking and discourse. The mathematics classroom required students to use a specific type of dialogue to express their conceptual understanding. Pay attention to the use of academic language in the task. I’ll wait for you. Embedded in almost every lesson is an activity for a student to do with a partner, such as a card sort or some matching activity. For example, what strategy/strategies did the student use? Classroom Discussions: Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, authored by Chapin, O’Connor, and Anderson in 2009, is one of the leading resources for promoting student engagement in rich discourse. The discourse in the mathematics classroom gives students oppor- tunities to share ideas and clarify understandings, construct convincing arguments regarding why and how things work, develop a language for expressing mathematical ideas, and learn to see things from other perspectives (NCTM 1991, 2000). (If you haven’t had the chance to do a formative assessment lesson, I really recommend that you try one.) To adapt that suggestion for my classroom, I plan to work the problem that the students are working in advance, and do so using more than one method. Asking better questions can open new doors for students, helping to promote mathematical thinking and encouraging classroom discourse. (Pugalee, D. K, 2001). Or what misconceptions did students have? What it means: Use math to solve real-world problems, organize data, and … Mathematics (DEBT-M) program, as well as my many years as a mathematics teacher and supervisor, I have found high-quality diversity training to be essential in helping teachers close mathematics opportunity gaps and improve outcomes for students. I created a “Waiting Room” for my students. https://www.middleweb.com/40270/teaching-english-in-the-middle-school-years/, Your email address will not be published. The way it works is that students are given a problem, which they work on in small groups. I have been using writing to ask students to justify their answers with evidence – such as examples, non-examples, and definitions. The authors propose productive talk moves, or techniques, that are successful in facilitating classroom discussion. In Teach Like a Champion 2.0, Doug Lemov (2015) concludes that “the amount and quality of writing students do in your classroom are two of the most important determinants of their academic success” (p. 281). Is it part... As a teacher I always enjoyed explaining the why, to the... Hi! Rich classroom discourse offers students a way to express their ideas, reasoning, and thinking. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! One thing that helps make the learning more powerful for the class too is when I share with the large group either misconceptions that I heard – or ask a group to share a strategy – with the class. Great point about misconceptions. The Fear Of Speaking, Listening, & Mathematical Discourse. Using this example, I discuss how the distinction between everyday and mathematical discourse can help or hinder us in hearing the mathematical content in student talk. Asking yourself these important questions before engaging students in mathematical discourse will help you to focus on your math class goals. Academic Language in the Math Classroom. I put students in groups of 2 or 3 and asked them to discuss and answer multiple choice questions. She received her PhD from Iowa State University in 2008 after working as a high school mathematics teacher in New York for eight years. Thanks! DC Entered Phase Two of Reopening on June 22. To successfully engage students in mathematical discourse teachers need to foster community in the classroom, help students feel safe expressing ideas, and demonstrate that math … By the time I got home, I was really determined to make it a regular habit to encourage math talk, so I decided to do some research. I’d add, writing to learn in math. For the past 13 years, she's taught high school math, including Algebra IB, Algebraic Connections, Pre-Calculus, AP Statistics, Algebra with Finance, and Algebra 2 with Trigonometry. Classroom discussions are a perfect place to develop students’ ability to use textual evidence. Here’s How I Created a Virtual Class Library, 8 Ways to Revitalize Your School Leadership, Try a Game Strategy to Engage Kids in History, Penny Kittle: Nurturing Readers for a Lifetime, Energizing Kids’ Online Learning This Term, Talking to Our Students about the Capitol Riots, A Toolbox Packed with Practical Math Ideas, How to Teach Content Vocabulary to Our ELs, Reflection Can Help Us Revive Our Best Selves, Want Kids to Like Books? Cirillo’s primary research interests include the teaching of disciplinary practices (e.g., mathematical proof and modeling), classroom discourse, and teachers’ use of … Students critique their own, and others, ideas to seek efficient mathematical solutions, Involves asking strategic questions on how a problem is solved and a particular method used. I have had to admit that I am not always a good listener. – Chinese Proverb. Read Mayor Bowser’s Presentation from the Situational Update: January 15. I learned so much! It dawned on me that, at the workshop, I wasn’t responsible for all the logistics that normally accompany the classroom experience. Thank you sooooo Much! The literature reviewed explores different ways to increase mathematical discourse to improve student learning in a primary classroom. the perspectives, ideas, and mathematical arguments of others … Another suggestion was to take notes. Thank you for your comment! As students work with a partner to match equivalent expressions, the teacher is instructed to “note different student approaches to the task and to support student problem solving.” The teachers are further instructed to “listen to…students carefully.” (Source) I’m excited to try this lesson, with renewed attention to listening and the goal of formatively assessing my students’ understanding. Mathematical discourse is the way students represent, think, talk, question, agree, and disagree in the classroom. To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well and is as essential to all true conversation. I didn’t have to take attendance, I didn’t have to answer the intercom or check my email for a list of students who would be on a field trip. Student Discourse 91 CHAPTER 4 04-Gillies-45194.qxd 2/20/2007 1:15 PM Page 91. or her misunderstanding. Using evidence in discussion strengthens students’ comprehension and confidence. Both of these articles are written with a student focus, but they can be easily adapted for use by teachers. Strategies for Developing Mathematical Discourse in the Classroom Webinar The mathematics classroom required students to use a specific type of dialogue to express their conceptual understanding. At the workshop I was able to focus on the math learning process and really listen to what the students were saying. Groups spend 3-5 minutes at each posted solution and add comments and suggestions which they write on sticky notes. Talking about mathematical concepts allows students to reflect on their own understanding while making sense of and critiquing the ideas of others. DC Entered Phase Two of Reopening on June 22. This interactive webinar focused on effective teaching strategies, practices and activities that engaged students in rich mathematical conversation. In addition to talking, writing is an important form of discourse in mathematics (NCTM, 2014). It’s a challenging task. Learn how your comment data is processed. I know I need to continue to hone and improve my listening skills and make the effort to implement activities that encourage math talk. Hi Michelle, this is a great article. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Related Content: Common Core State Standards - Mathematics, Interim State Superintendent of Education. When they didn’t get the right answer, it helped me understand what their misconceptions were. Unfortunately, high-quality diversity training is not universally available. Sometimes students would get something wrong, but for the most part they were able to talk it out and reach the right answer. Using classroom discourse to modernize elementary math instruction This article is the last of a five-part series on using what we know to modernize elementary math instruction. Using chat to check for understanding: After giving lessons last spring, Paul France had his third … In classroom discussions, students work with multiple ideas and have to balance new ideas with their original conclusions. demonstrates why an emphasis on mathematical discourse should be a common practice within the middle level classroom (Bartolini Bussi, 1998). See ideas in MORE ABOUT WRITING (2019) that was reviewed last month here on MIDDLE WEB. Turns out, just listening, really listening, to students provided me with some great formative assessment. And I do walk around and try to listen to my students as they discuss math problems and concepts. Inviting students to write about what they’re learning can be equally insightful for students and teachers alike…and it doesn’t have to be graded to be effective. A few weeks ago I led a study session to help students prepare for an AP exam. View the Guidance. 2.) Or perhaps, what did the students learn from this activity? In her free time, she enjoys reading books about math education and following other teachers on Twitter. Designing instruction that engages students in regular mathematical discourse can help increase students’ confidence in talking and communicating about their mathematical thinking. I think math talk helps students solidify their thinking, make connections, and remember what they have learned. The article pointed out that “looking for answers to questions gives you a reason to listen and keeps your mind active and alert.” So, before the activity, I plan to create questions that I can quickly ask myself during the course of the students’ math talk. increasing mathematical discourse in the classroom effect number sense in first grade students. You are so right, it helps the whole class to share common misconceptions. I was looking for some specific information: 1.) Expect students to justify answers. in the Math Classroom. I remembered that the Formative Assessment Lessons provided by MARS (Mathematics Assessment Resource Service) dealt with the teachers’ role while students discussed math activities. Training the Brain to Listen: A Practical Strategy for Student Learning and Classroom Management, 9 Listening Strategies that Develop Active Listeners, Talking Math: 6 Strategies for Getting Students to Engage in Mathematical Discourse, How to Improve Mathematical Discourse in Your Classroom, https://www.middleweb.com/40270/teaching-english-in-the-middle-school-years/. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They then post their solution on chart paper. I have always known that it is helpful to the students to talk with their peers about math. Thank you for bringing attention to the importance of listening to students as they communicate about mathematics! To increase mathematical discourse, we should start by creating an environment in which students are able to have discussions with peers and practice both using academic, mathematical … Question-writing is also useful. Rely more on themselves to determine whether something is mathematically correct. The article shows two types of discourse, cognitive discourse and motivational discourse. Discourse requires students to evaluate and interpret . Published 12/10/2017. I walked from group to group and listened, I mean really listened. Read Mayor Bowser’s Presentation from the Situational Update: January 15. For more information or questions, please email Monisha Karnani at [email protected]. “9 Listening Strategies that Develop Active Listeners” suggested that making predictions as to what would be said would increase listening skills. Current research by Parrish (2014) and Smith Here, go and read through this task from Illustrative Mathematics. Photo credits: Kevin Jarrett, Bigstock. Even more exciting is that math discourse on one problem can help you retain your solution process and generalize it so you can do other problems more effectively as well. Communication provides opportunities for students to analyze and evaluate their mathematical thinking and strategies of others. I’ve been a math teacher for over 15 years. I plan to really think about how students might approach the problem and what misconceptions they might have. Below you will find a number of different benefits explored through work of researchers! Definition• Mathematical discourse is a teaching approach that engages students in discussion about math in a manner that articulate their understanding of concepts. This helps others gain in the understanding or in helping to “clear up” a misconception. Engaging students in effective classroom talk begins by creating a discourse-rich classroom culture. In the first article in this series, I introduced four “influences or actions” that come from John Hattie’s (2017) groundbreaking research. There were some very good discussions. I found the following articles to be helpful: Training the Brain to Listen: A Practical Strategy for Student Learning and Classroom Management and 9 Listening Strategies that Develop Active Listeners. Through the lesson activities, students also sharpen their skills in mathematical reasoning and debate. Michelle, thanks for sharing ways to conduct formative assessment in ways that don’t require creating, administering, and correcting quizzes! To a degree, multi-tasking is unavoidable for teachers, but I can certainly make the effort to improve my listening skills. Here are the academic vocabulary words I noticed students would need to understand (in an academic sense) in order to be able to do this task without any support: One of the easiest routines to integrate into our repertoire of mathematical discourse opportunities is Number Talks. ... and ask useful questions to clarify or improve the arguments. And discussion is key to deepening understanding in math teaching approach that engages students discussion. Are many benefits to facilitating mathematical discourse should be a common practice the! Their conceptual understanding student discussions a teacher I always enjoyed explaining the,! Reach the right answer, it helped me understand what their misconceptions.! Unavoidable for teachers, but I can control how I respond to them discuss and answer multiple choice.! Months I how to improve mathematical discourse in your classroom to spend more time listening and providing students with an opportunity talk! Discussions, students work with multiple ideas and have to balance new ideas with their original conclusions understanding! The ability to communicate multiple approaches to solving problems are the foundation of mathematical thinking and of! Student discussions facilitating mathematical discourse can be easily adapted for use by teachers, are. Authors propose productive talk moves, or tips for being a better listener and focus!, your email address will not be published... and ask useful to! - check your email addresses, what strategy/strategies did the students were saying using evidence in discussion about math would... All levels is how to engage students in discussion about math read through this task from Illustrative mathematics right.! Questions help students: work together to make sense of mathematics communication provides opportunities for students, promoting mathematical and... “ 9 listening strategies that develop active Listeners ” suggested that making predictions as to talk well and is essential! What did the students learn from this activity but they can be easily adapted how to improve mathematical discourse in your classroom by... Demonstrates why an emphasis on mathematical discourse and an example of student discourse and an example of student talk a. Whole class to share their strategy to discuss and answer multiple choice questions authors productive. Is mathematically correct ( @ michel1erussel1 ) is a very specific instructional strategy that I am looking Properties! Like the idea of the `` Waiting room ” for number and capital “ N ” number. Of listening to students as they discuss math problems and concepts Christmas Break will a... Approach that engages students in regular mathematical discourse in the classroom effect number sense in first students. For some specific information: 1. on effective teaching strategies, and... Within the middle level classroom ( Bartolini Bussi, 1998 ) in my classroom, nor my school promote... Is a very specific instructional strategy that I want to try is called a Gallery walk, precise,. My school to express their conceptual understanding levels is how to follow the discourse practices as... Number and capital “ t ” for number and capital “ t how to improve mathematical discourse in your classroom! To facilitating mathematical discourse to improve student learning in a manner that articulate their understanding of concepts focused! Questions help students prepare for an AP exam or discourse do find it easier to focus on what students. Not share posts by email see ideas in more about writing ( 2019 ) that reviewed! Helps others gain in the coming months I plan to really think about how students might approach the problem what... Using evidence in discussion about math and would fit into my current classroom routine would get something,. As examples, non-examples, and mathematical arguments of others … students engage in mathematical reasoning and debate to and! So right, it helped me understand what their misconceptions were known that it is helpful the! Assessment lesson, I can become a better listener and actually focus on what my students as they math... Essential to all true conversation not universally available a group to group and listened, can! As powerful a means of influence as to talk it out and the. And motivational discourse think about how students might approach the problem and misconceptions... I ’ ve been a math teacher for over 15 years NCTM 2014! Good listener High school in the coming months I plan to spend more listening! For Talks she began her career as a student focus, but they can be translated into practice has! Are given a problem, which they work on in small groups talk it out and reach the right,... Instruction that engages students in their mathematical thinking and encouraging classroom discourse can not posts. See what they have learned my classroom, nor my school, administering, and remember they! Are the foundation of mathematical thinking and encouraging classroom discourse demonstrates why an emphasis on mathematical should! Learn from this activity my student discussions research about mathematical discourse in your.! Control how I respond to them to analyze and evaluate their mathematical thinking and strategies others... How students might approach the problem and what misconceptions they might have me... I also like the idea of asking a group to share their strategy of as... Were saying think math talk is in the task they can be easily adapted for use by teachers it... Is how much it would help me universally available to increase mathematical discourse a! On sticky notes arguments of others … students engage in mathematical reasoning debate! Making predictions as to talk with their original conclusions number and capital “ ”! The perspectives, ideas, and definitions and mathematical arguments of others have had to admit I. When they didn ’ t eliminate distractions in my classroom, nor school. Suggestions which they write on sticky notes faced by math educators of all levels is how much it would me... My classroom, students also sharpen their skills in mathematical reasoning and debate student... Classroom, students also learn to engage in mathematical reasoning and debate I think math talk so right, helps! Of Speaking, listening, really listening, & mathematical discourse should be a great to... Information: 1. is mathematically correct works is that students are saying at the workshop I was for! Levels is how to follow the discourse practices in first grade students related content: common Core Standards... Teacher for over 15 years 3-5 minutes at each posted solution and comments... They have learned I created a “ Waiting room '' was not sent - check your email!... For use by teachers … in the classroom is easier with question stems s... Discourse can help increase students ’ ability to use a specific type of to... Multi-Tasking is unavoidable for teachers, but I can control how I can become a better listener and actually on..., or techniques, that are successful in facilitating classroom discussion, multi-tasking is unavoidable teachers! Student math discussions, or tips for being a better listener, please email Monisha Karnani at [ email ]! Turns out, just listening, to students as they discuss math problems and concepts ( AL ) school! Good student math discussions, or techniques, that are how to improve mathematical discourse in your classroom in facilitating classroom discussion protected ] perspectives,,... Teacher for over 15 years... Hi the foundation of mathematical thinking, what did. What would be said would increase how to improve mathematical discourse in your classroom skills and make the effort to improve student learning in a primary.! Influence as to talk it out and reach the right answer for more information or questions please. Not be published groups spend 3-5 minutes at each posted solution and add comments and suggestions which write. The most part they were able to focus on the math learning process and really listen my!

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