The power of student explanation
When students are asked to explain their thinking in math, it can be a powerful experience for them. It can help them to better understand the concepts they are learning, and it can also help them to see how their own thinking processes compare to those of their peers.
student explanation can also help teachers to identify areas where students may be struggling with the material. By hearing how students explain their thinking, teachers can get a better sense of which concepts are giving them trouble and which ones they understand well.
Asking students to explain their thinking is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. When done regularly, it can lead to big improvements in student understanding and performance.
Why math teachers struggle to get students to explain their thinking
When it comes to getting students to explain their thinking in math, there are a number of reasons why teachers may struggle. For one, math is often seen as a purely logical discipline where there is only one right answer. This can make it difficult for students to feel comfortable explaining their thought process, as they may fear being marked wrong.
Additionally, many students simply don’t know how to explain their thinking in mathematical terms. They may be able to visualize the solution in their head but be unable to articulate it verbally or in writing.
Another factor that contributes to students not being able to articulate their thinking verbally or in writing in the hyper use of technology in everyday math and in communication patterns (see Practical Math Skills: Why Were Past Generations Better at them?)
Finally, some students may be reluctant to share their thinking with others for fear of judgement or ridicule. If a teacher can’t create a safe and welcoming environment where all students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, it will be difficult to get them to open up about their math understanding.
One strategy I used as a math teacher is ask students to explain how they solved problems as if they were on the telephone. This caused them to pay closer attention to using math vocabulary and think through and verbally process how they went about solving problems.
Ten keys to getting students to explain their thinking in math
Ten keys to getting students to explain their thinking in math:
1. Make sure they understand the task at hand. Before they can explain their thinking, students need to understand what they’re being asked to do. Make sure to clarify the task and any necessary background information upfront.
2. Encourage them to think aloud. Asking students to verbalize their thoughts as they work on a problem can help you identify any misunderstandings and correct them in real-time. It also allows you to gauge their comprehension of the material.
3. Ask leading questions. If students are having trouble explaining their thinking, try asking leading questions that will prompt them in the right direction. For example, “What is the first step you took?” or “Can you walk me through your thought process?”
4. Give them time to think and write down their thoughts. Don’t expect an immediate answer from students; instead, give them time to think about the problem and organize their thoughts before asking them to explain their reasoning out loud or in writing.
5. Encourage them to use mathematical vocabulary and symbols. Help students form clear explanations by encouraging them to use precise mathematical vocabulary and symbols when applicable. This will also help build their understanding of key concepts over time.
6. Listen carefully and provide feedback accordingly. Once students have explained their thinking, take some time to listen carefully and ask clarifying questions if needed before providing feedback on the explanation itself. Avoid immediately pointing out any mistakes or assumptions they may have made.
7. Model good explanations. Modeling your own thought process while solving a problem can help students understand how to explain their thinking more effectively.
8. Make sure to give positive reinforcement. Let students know when they do a good job explaining their thinking and reward them for it. This will help them feel more confident in their ability to explain their reasoning and encourage them to keep trying even when faced with challenging problems.
9. Set achievable goals for each student. Not all students learn at the same rate, so make sure to set realistic expectations for each one individually and provide regular feedback on their progress towards meeting those goals.
10. Provide practice opportunities outside of class time. Helping students gain experience by giving them opportunities to practice explaining their thinking outside of class can be beneficial in building their confidence and understanding of the material over time. This could include assigned homework, extra credit assignments, or online activities that require an explanation of the reasoning used to solve the problem.
Conclusion
By encouraging students to explain their thinking in math, teachers can help them gain a deeper understanding of the concepts they’re learning. By providing support and guidance along the way, teachers can create an environment where students feel comfortable articulating their thoughts on mathematical problems. With practice and patience, students will be able to explain their thinking more clearly, which helps them develop better problem-solving skills that are useful in all aspects of life.
