How Student Questions in Mathematics Classrooms Are Related to Authority Distribution

• In Event: 18.071 - Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: 18.071-12 - Teacher and Student Learning in the Math Classroom

Abstract

This paper analyzes the questions students ask in two very different middle school mathematics classrooms. Both classrooms were taught by experienced and respected mathematics teachers, but the demographics of the student body and the style of instruction were substantially different between the two classrooms. Mr. Cordoba taught in an underserved urban area and characterized his instruction as student-centered, project based, and focused on understanding. Mr. Ezzo taught in an affluent suburban area and used a more traditional approach. Classroom instruction was videotaped, student questions were highlighted and categorized, and instructional moves were analyzed. Results show that authority distribution within the classroom is connected to the types of questions students ask in mathematics lessons.

Author

• Melissa Kemmerle, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor