5 Ways To Encourage Math Talks

It is often seen that students avoid discussions on math topics or their views on solving math problems. However, teachers can overcome this problem by promoting and encouraging math talks in their classes.  

Math talks are a strategy that develops students’ interest in learning mathematics, enhances their knowledge, and figures out what they’re struggling with while learning any math concept. Teachers can encourage their students to be valued thinkers, by allowing them to express their views on mathematical concepts. Teachers can also determine students’ views and perspectives on any math concept math problem. Even teachers can actively participate and encourage math talks to explain to students the correct ways to solve math problems.  

Apart from all this, the prominent factor is that math talks engage every student in the class by breaking the wall of comparison between the students.  Students can confidently participate in real math talks and express their views in a safe and uplifting environment.. Thus encouraging math talk is important because they provide teachers with a better understanding of their students.

Here are 5 ways to encourage math talks in the classrooms:

1. Stimulate Rough Draft Math Thinking

There are different categories of students with varying levels of intellect in a math classroom. 

For example, a math teacher can raise a question for the whole class on which every student can put their opinions. They can ask students about their approach for solving a word problem on probability.  

It will lead to a discussion between the students leading to sharing and exchanging thoughts, enhancing the knowledge of math ideas and practices.

Another idea is to let them explain different mathematical concepts to each other. If one student is incorrect somewhere, let the student who got the problem right explain his mistakes. It is one of the excellent ways to encourage math talks. 

2. Highlight The Value Of Each Student’s Work

In a classroom, every student’s thoughts matter. When any student has solved a problem with a correct technique, he/she should be appreciated and valued in front of their classmates.

One student’s good work uplifts the goodwill of the whole class. On the other side, if a student could not get the right procedure to solve any math problem, he/she should not be discouraged. 

Thus, when a good value is appreciated, it will elevate each student’s thoughts and ideas by sharing and exchanging them.

For example, if one or two students attempt and explain their thoughts on solving algebraic expressions, it will motivate remaining students in the classroom to discuss their solution to the same problem.

Also, students’ critical thinking skills can progress as various drafts are discussed when the entire class makes a joint decision after considering all the negatives and positives. 

The significant role of this technique is to equalize the class and encourage math talks by expressing the importance of individual thinking. Considering this view, the whole class develops their problem-solving ability to have their opinions on topics.  

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3. Encourage Students For Small-Group Math Conversations

Some students shy away from speaking in front of the entire class. For such students, small group conversations can be constructive.

Such students should be encouraged to speak in front of small gatherings. Teachers should ask open-ended questions to involve them in discussions.

It’s one of the most effective ways to encourage math talks among such students.  

For instance, teachers can ask students what they think about ratios or percentages. Additionally, teachers should try to find out their students’ likes and dislikes and answer related questions.

Teachers can use collaborative learning techniques in which students in groups perform a task. 

When more reserved students become a part of a small group, they feel less anxious to express their ideas. This way, students share their ideas freely without fear as they are not exposed directly to many people.

4. Build Their Confidence

Teachers should explain to students that everyone makes mistakes sometimes and that it is important to encourage one another and cheer on their fellow classmates. 

They should motivate students to be confident no matter how many mistakes they make. Teachers can specially pick introverted students to explain any math topic or explain concepts to other students. It is also one of the prominent ways to encourage math talks.  

Participation of shy students in speaking tasks should be encouraged. Teachers should also involve parents to figure out how students feel at home and what makes them uncomfortable in public. 

5. Try To Involve Students In Justifying Mathematical Curiosities

Math talks are a very effective technique for motivating students and asking them to justify one of many relevant mathematical curiosities. Also, students participation is higher when they are challenged at an intellectual level. If you challenge students with a straightforward task, it often makes them think that you don’t believe in their abilities, leading to a lack of confidence in themselves. 

Instead, the teacher should challenge them with a difficult problem that they cannot easily  solve unless they keep trying to solve it and get the solution.

It builds their confidence and encourages them to discuss the problem. This technique will also encourage math talks. 

The challenge should be within the academic abilities and math knowledge of students as well as motivating at the same time.

The teacher can play on these motivations to maximize student engagement and enhance the effectiveness of the teaching process.

Also read: 10 Strategies for Motivating Students in Mathematics

Takeaway

These 5 ways to encourage math talks in the classrooms increase students’ involvement in learning and exploring various aspects of mathematics and strengthen the bond between math teachers and students.