Cases About Communication in Math Classrooms

The cases in this chapter center on the importance of communication and sharing diverse ideas when learning math. These cases demonstrate the power teachers hold when deciding whose ideas are heard and considered during math lessons. The teachers make decisions about who is called on to share solutions and strategies with the whole class, how students are expected to share their thinking, and what is considered a correct way to do math. The cases are titled Case 4.1 Verbal and Nonverbal Communication, Case 4.2 Problems with Small Groups, Case 4.3 Reframing and Valuing Student Voice, Case 4.4 Math Is a Universal Language?, and Case 4.5 Building Math Confidence Through Asset-Based Language. Following each case, you’ll find reflection questions to promote deeper thinking and critical analysis. These questions invite you to challenge your thinking and connect the case to your own classroom experiences.