"I Talk Math": Examining Different Types of Talk in Precalculus Workshops at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: College Student Retention: Barrier and Boosters

Abstract

Pre-calculus is a gateway course for STEM majors. Because gateway courses are foundational with high enrollment, yet low-completion, they prevent students from persisting in the major (Cooper & Woodward, 2011). This paper presents findings from a US Department of Education funded project, which sought to improve the retention of Latinx students to STEM majors by integrating cooperative learning (Johnson & Johnson, 2009) into pre-calculus workshops at a Hispanic Serving Institution. Analysis of social interaction in 23 sections of workshops, revealed four types of talk: managerial, teacher, pal, and “I talk math”. In particular, findings suggest that “I talk math” involves talk wherein students position themselves as knowing agents who participate in workshop activities to construct shared understanding around mathematical concepts.

Authors

• Christina Convertino, The University of Texas - El Paso

• Mariana Alvidrez, University of Texas at El Paso

• Diana Minerva Camberos, University of Texas at El Paso