//Math Workshop Benefit: Meaningful Mathematical Conversations That Help to Improve Mathematical Und

Encouraging meaningful, mathematical conversations among students allows for them to "justify their conclusions, discuss them with others, and respond to the arguments of others." Educators should guide their students thinking, while the children are responsible for justifying their reasoning. This method supports children by increasing their mathematical understanding and knowledge as they work towards a common goal.

Help Students Understand why Mathematical Conversations are Important:

TALK with your students and simply ask them "Why is it important to talk about math"? This conversation can be held during whole group, small group, in pairs, however you'd like to do it! While your students are sharing their thoughts, write down what they are saying. Based on your students conversations, if they understand that mathematical conversations are beneficial, that's great! If they appear to not be grasping the importance of talking about math, then help guide their understanding based on what you've heard them say thus far.

Teach Your Students How to Listen and Respond to One Another:

After you have discussed the importance of mathematical conversations with your students, have them participate in a lesson regarding active listening to teach them how to listen and respond to each other during their math talks! There are five steps that we follow when holding a conversations.

Step 1:

Pay Attention to the Speaker

Step 2:

Show You Are Listening Through Verbal and Non-Verbal cues

Step 3:

Provide Feedback by Asking Questions or Summarizing What the Speaker is Saying

Step 4:

Allow the Speaker to Finish Before Asking Questions or Stating Opinions

Step 5:

Respond Appropriately by Being Open, Honest, and Respectful

For more information on building a classroom environment that promotes meaningful mathematical conversations that help improve mathematical understanding please read the article Creating Math Talk Communities by Erin L. Wagganer.

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