2 Ways to Improve Mathematical Discourse.

I think about half to three-fourths of my students are classified as ELL which means their language development is below a certain level and they are not considered fluent.  This often leads to some really interesting discussions with words like "stuff" and "thingy".

Fortunately, there are some great ways to improve mathematical discourse.  The thing to remember is that mathematical discourse is not just discussion but also diagrams, symbols, words, technology, and models to convey and defend their ideas.

One suggested way is instead of the standard telling them via a lecture is to create something much more interactive than the old question and answer sessions where the teacher conveys information via questions or statements.  Unfortunately, only a few students tend to be involved in providing answers but there is technology out there that can encourage more discourse, especially for students who are shy.

1.  Google Slides offer students the opportunity to share  their knowledge in a safe way so students who might not normally participate will.  Some of the ways google slides can be used to encourage mathematical discourse is by having students create visual representations of problems, explain how the did a problem, or how they visualized a problem.  If students are given the ability to comment on other slides, they can ask questions, post observations, or see others solved the same problem. 

Furthermore, slides allow students to post their thoughts on open ended math questions, or they could post solutions to any "Which one doesn't belong" activity or post their solution to a three-act task.  Each activity requires students to communicate their thinking which is so important.

2. Flip Grid - is a wonderful way for students to record themselves while explaining a problem.  If they don't like showing their faces, they can wear a mask while making the video.  Flip Grid allows students to explain how they worked their way through a problem, share ways they've found math in the real world, share their answers to open ended math problems, or discuss a diagram they made of solving a problem.

Flip Grid can also be used by students to explain their answer from a "Which one does not belong" activity or a three act task or any rich math activity.  They can record themselves explaining their answer in detail and if they want, they could include visual displays of their thinking. 

I'll share additional ways of improving mathematical discourse another day.  These are two easy ways to begin getting more students involved in expressing their thinking.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.