Ep 65: Get them Talking! Boosting Student Engagement with Discourse

Modern Math Teacher

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In today’s episode, we’re diving into a powerful strategy for increasing student engagement: mathematical discourse. If you’ve ever struggled to get your students talking about math, this episode is for you! I’ll be sharing practical tips on how to use the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions to encourage deeper understanding and active participation in your classroom.

💡In This Episode, We’ll Cover:

• The Power of Math Discourse: Why fostering student conversations about math is essential for their learning and engagement.
• The 5 Practices:
  • Anticipating: How to predict student responses before the lesson begins to guide your planning.
  • Monitoring: Techniques for observing and supporting student thinking during the lesson.
  • Selecting: Strategies for choosing which student responses to highlight to enrich the class discussion.
  • Sequencing: How to order student work presentations to maximize learning.
  • Connecting: Methods for tying together different student strategies to emphasize key concepts.
• Implementing the Practices: Step-by-step advice on how to start small with these practices and gradually build them into your teaching routine.
• Overcoming Challenges: Solutions for common obstacles, like reluctant participation and managing time effectively during discussions.

Why Math Discourse Matters:

• How structured discussions can boost critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration among your students.
• Tips for creating a classroom environment where every student feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas.

📙Resources Mentioned:

• 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions by Margaret Smith and Mary Kay Stein

This podcast is a member of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Better Today. Better Tomorrow. And the Podcasts to Help You Get There.

Connect with Kristen:

• Follow on Instagram @moorethanjustx
• Join the Facebook Community: The Modern Math Teachers Movement

More About the Modern Math Teacher Podcast

Kristen Moore, classroom teacher and instructional coach at Moore Than Just X, empowers modern secondary math teachers to transform the student experience with the strategies and the confidence to implement project-based learning, mastery-based assessment, and student engagement strategies in their classrooms.

Whether you're a math education newbie or a seasoned veteran, you'll find something new and inspiring in every episode. You’re already a listener, why not join the Movement inside ✨The Modern Math Teachers Movement Facebook group. Join the community of math teachers who are not afraid to shake things up and make math class the best part of the day for our students. So tune in each Tuesday, have some fun, and let's elevate our math teaching game together!
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