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​Methods of Math Talk

Math talk is a new research-based method being implemented in elementary classrooms. During math talk students hold discussions as a class as to how they arrived at the correct answer for the math problem. Math talk is beneficial because it gives students multiple ways and strategies for solving a problem. Ensuring that the material is solidified in the students’ minds, as well as correcting misconceptions.

​Math talks can be implemented at a very early age. For example daily routines such as counting the days of school and calendar routine helps students apply mathematical concepts in their daily lives.  During Math talk students describe how they achieved their answer. Rather than simply saying the answer, students need to justify their answers and explain why they do each step in the equation or problem.

Sources:

Bahr, Damon L., and Kim Bahr. “Engaging All Students in Mathematical Discussions.” Teaching Children Mathematics, vol. 23, no. 6, Feb. 2017, p. 350., doi:10.5951/teacchilmath.23.6.0350.

Barlow, Angela T., et al. “Learning from the Unknown Student.” Teaching Children Mathematics, vol. 23, no. 2, Sept. 2016, p. 74., doi:10.5951/teacchilmath.23.2.0074.

Donoahue, Zoe. “Opening the World of Mathematics: The Daily Math Discussion.” Teaching Children Mathematics, vol. 22, no. 7, Mar. 2016, p. 428., doi:10.5951/teacchilmath.22.7.0428.

“Math Talk 101.” Scholastic, www.scholastic.com/teachers/blog-posts/genia-connell/math-talk-101/.

“Secondary Number Talks (I'll convince you with ducks).” Sara VanDerWerf, 21 Aug. 2017, saravanderwerf.com/2016/06/27/secondary-number-talks-ill-convince-you-with-ducks/.

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