Fostering Mathematical Communication in Primary Mathematics Classroom: A Study on Classroom Teachers

Authors : Defne Yabaş, Sertel Altun

Pages : 51-62

View : 13 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 2016-01-01

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :Higher order thinking skills are of preliminary importance for today’ societies. Students need to engage in meaningful learning activities to develop these skills. Creating a fruitful mathematical communication environment, where students express their ideas about their mathematical understanding, is also essential for keeping cognitive demands of mathematical tasks high. The study aims to enhance teachers’ skills to foster mathematical communication in their classrooms to maintain the cognitive demand of the tasks high. Within this case study data was analyzed using content analysis. Results of the study show that enhancing mathematical communication in classroom is essential for monitoring students’ understanding, and using strategies and talk moves to enhance mathematical communication has a role by maintaining the level of the cognitive demand.
Keywords : Mathematical communication, cognitive demand, mathematics instruction