From Stanford Online's "How To Learn Math for Teachers and Parents": Number Talks

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on conducting number talks, a powerful teaching strategy designed to enhance students' mathematical understanding and reasoning skills. Inspired by the insights from Stanford Online's "How To Learn Math for Teachers and Parents," this approach encourages students to think critically about numbers and develop their problem-solving abilities in a collaborative environment.

Step 1: Create a Safe Environment

• Foster a classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
• Encourage risk-taking by emphasizing that mistakes are part of the learning process.
• Set clear expectations that all contributions are valued and respected.

Step 2: Choose a Number Talk Focus

• Select a specific mathematical concept to explore, such as addition, subtraction, or patterns.
• Use visual aids, like number lines or arrays, to stimulate discussion.
• Ensure the chosen concept is relevant to students’ current learning objectives.

Step 3: Present a Problem

• Introduce a problem that allows for multiple solution strategies.
• Present it in a straightforward manner, such as "What is 27 + 15?"
• Allow time for students to think about their approaches individually before discussing as a group.

Step 4: Encourage Diverse Strategies

• Invite students to share their methods for solving the problem.
• Highlight different strategies, such as:
  • Break apart methods (e.g., separating tens and ones)
  • Using number lines
  • Visual models (like drawings or manipulatives)
• Ask probing questions to deepen understanding, like “How did you arrive at that answer?”

Step 5: Facilitate Discussion

• Guide the discussion by encouraging students to explain their reasoning.
• Use prompts like:
  • “Can anyone add on to that explanation?”
  • “Why do you think that method works?”
• Encourage students to compare and contrast different strategies.

Step 6: Summarize Key Concepts

• Conclude the number talk by summarizing the various strategies discussed.
• Reinforce the mathematical concepts learned and clarify any misunderstandings.
• Ensure students leave with a clear understanding of the topic.

Step 7: Reflect on the Process

• After the number talk, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
• Consider questions like:
  • Did all students participate actively?
  • Were the strategies shared diverse and insightful?
• Adjust future number talks based on reflections to enhance engagement and learning.

Conclusion

Number talks are an effective way to develop students' mathematical thinking and collaborative skills. By creating a safe environment, encouraging diverse strategies, and facilitating meaningful discussions, educators can foster a deeper understanding of math concepts. As a next step, consider implementing number talks regularly in your classroom and reflecting on their impact on student learning.