Shift 7:

Tie the math to questions.

Shift 8:

Minimize what is no longer important.

Shift 9:

Embed the mathematics in realistic problems and real-world contexts.

Shift 10:

Make "Why?"  "How do you know?"  "Can you explain?"  classroom mantras.

ID-510 Summer 2013 Welcome to Our Blog

We will be discussing your thoughts and impressions after reading Classroom Discussions: Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, by Suzanne Chapin, Catherine O'Connor and Nancy Canavan Anderson.

Can you recall a time when you either led or were part of a classroom discussion that was not academically productive? What was it like? On the other hand, recall a time when you were part of a discussion that was academically productive. Do you remember what you or the instructor did to make it productive?

Sometimes a student whose confidence is quite fragile will present a solution method that is deeply flawed. What might teachers do to help the class see that discussing different solutions, right or wrong, helps move everyone towards understanding? How do you do this while being sensitive to the individual needs of students?