05 Topic 4 Math Talk

A second-grade teacher wants students to explain how they solved a subtraction problem. Which strategy best supports mathematical talk?

• Giving them the answer first

• Asking them to work silently

• Encouraging them to describe their process

• Having them copy from a partner

Tags

CCSS.2.OA.A.1

During a class discussion, a student says, “I used doubles facts to solve 8 + 7.” What should the teacher do to promote further mathematical talk?

• Correct the student

• Ignore the strategy

• Ask the student to explain the strategy to the class

• Tell the student not to use that method

Which of the following teacher prompts best promotes math discourse?

• A. 'Is that right or wrong?'

• B. 'What did your partner do?'

• C. 'How did you get your answer?'

• D. 'Write the answer only.'

A teacher encourages students to use sentence starters like “I agree with…” or “I got a different answer because…”. This is an example of:

• Limiting peer discussion

• Promoting passive listening

• Supporting academic language use

• Teaching grammar

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.1.4

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

Why is it important for students to explain their reasoning during math discussions?

• To increase their speed

• To memorize facts

• To help deepen their conceptual understanding

• To reduce classroom noise

A third-grade teacher asks, “Can you say more about why you chose that strategy?” This prompt is designed to:

• Stop the discussion

• Shift focus away from process

• Clarify student thinking

• Test memorization

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.1.4

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

What classroom environment best promotes mathematical talk?

• One where the teacher does all the talking

• One where only correct answers are allowed

• One where students feel safe sharing ideas

• One that discourages questions

During math group work, what is a good way to ensure all students engage in mathematical talk?

• Assign one student to explain while others listen

• Use think-pair-share routines

• Give them worksheets to complete silently

• Have the teacher explain each answer

Which student statement can be said to show evidence of mathematical reasoning?

• I just guessed.

• I added because the numbers are close.

• It looks right to me.

• My friend did it this way.

What role does questioning play in promoting mathematical talk?

• It ends the discussion quickly

• It helps build deeper understanding

• It replaces student reasoning

• It eliminates errors