As a teacher, you know how important it is for students to be able to share their thinking in math class. Not only does it help them solidify their understanding of mathematical concepts, but it also allows you to identify any misconceptions or gaps in their knowledge.
But getting students to share their thinking in math class can be a challenge. Some students may be shy or hesitant to speak up, while others may not be confident in their ability to articulate their ideas.
Here are some tips for getting your students to share their thinking in math class:
Create a safe and supportive classroom environment: Students are more likely to share their thinking if they feel comfortable and safe in the classroom. Encourage a positive classroom culture where students are respectful and supportive of one another.
Use open-ended questions: Avoid yes or no questions and instead ask open-ended questions that encourage students to share their reasoning. For example, instead of asking "Is the answer 6?" ask "How did you arrive at your answer?"
Provide wait time: Give students enough time to think about and process the question before asking for an answer. This will help students who need more time to think and process information.
Model sharing your own thinking: Share your own thought processes when solving math problems. This will help students see that it is okay to make mistakes and that sharing your thinking is a valuable part of the learning process.
Use posters to help students start their sentences - we have a FREEBIE for that!
These posters can be used to prompt students as they are trying to explain their thinking in math class.
Have students refer to these posters as they are sharing their thinking. They can use sentence starters like, "I agree with you because..." to prompt themselves and share their ideas.
Download the posters here:
Also, available in French:
Our Math Talks resources are perfect to encourage students to share their thinking.
In order to get students to share their thinking, provide open-ended math problems that encourage students to share their thinking and reasoning. Rather than asking a question that only has one correct answer, ask questions that allow for multiple interpretations and approaches. Our Math Talks resources are perfect to encourage students to share their thinking.
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Read more about the Math Talk resource and how you can use them in your math class in another blog post.
Getting students to share their thinking is essential to foster understanding in math class
In conclusion, getting students to share their thinking in math class can be a challenge, but it is essential for developing a deep understanding of the concepts being taught. By building a culture of collaboration, creating a safe environment, using open-ended questions, providing opportunities for reflection, and modeling and scaffolding, teachers can help their students feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas in class.