Orchestrating Mathematical Discourse | Education Week

"The importance of engaging students in meaningful mathematical discussion has long been identified as an essential component of students’ mathematics learning." continues Education Week.

In this whitepaper, Dr. Gladis Kersaint outlines strategies that all educators can use to support mathematical discourse in their classrooms, including:

• Classroom environments that support mathematical dialogue
• Tools to plan and lead mathematical discourse
• Different approaches for communicating mathematical knowledge
• 100 questions that teachers can use to promote mathematical discourse

"The importance of engaging students in meaningful mathematical discussion has long been identified as an  essential component of students’ mathematics learning (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1991,
2000, 2007, 2014). When students share and exchange their ideas, both they and their teachers benefit." writes Gladis Kersaint, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics Education, University of South Florida 
 
Students can reflect on their own understanding while making sense of and critiquing the ideas of others in a collaborative and supportive learning environment, as required by the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice. They can make conjectures, link prior knowledge to current understanding, reason about mathematics, refine and amend their approaches, and take ownership of their mathematical knowledge. Students can learn to use the tools of mathematical discourse — including words, symbols, diagrams, physical models, and technology—to present and defend their ideas. Teachers benefit too, because they have the opportunity to access, monitor, and evaluate students’ mathematical understanding and development.
Download the FREE white paper. 

Source: Education Week