Microcourse 2: Facilitating Mathematical Discourse
Mathematical discourse allows students to share strategies, compare ideas, and refine their understanding of mathematical concepts. When students explain their reasoning and respond to peers’ thinking, they deepen their understanding and develop stronger mathematical arguments.
In this module, participants focus on facilitating inquiry-based mathematical discussions that make student thinking visible. Teachers will plan discussion questions, observe how students explain their reasoning, and reflect on how discussion supports exploration of mathematical ideas.
Topics Covered
- facilitating mathematical discourse
- questioning strategies that reveal student thinking
- comparing student strategies
- encouraging students to respond to peers’ ideas
- supporting collaborative exploration of mathematical ideas
Guiding Questions
- How can discussion support students’ understanding of mathematical ideas?
- What types of questions encourage students to explain their thinking?
- How can teachers encourage students to respond to each other’s strategies?
- How can classroom discussions help students explore and refine mathematical ideas?
Key Terms
Mathematical Discourse
Classroom conversations where students explain, justify, and build on mathematical ideas.
Student Explanation
When students describe how they solved a problem and why their strategy works.
Teacher Move
An instructional action that encourages students to explain, justify, or extend their thinking.
Strategy Comparison
When students analyze similarities and differences between solution strategies.