Making Mathematical Connections in Whole Class Discussions: Supporting Preservice Teachers to Take Up Complex Mathematical Practice

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Language and Discourse in Mathematics Education (Table 6)

Abstract

Making connections is an important human activity. In mathematics, we want students to make connections - or have “a-ha” moments - by recognizing (and using) connections among mathematical ideas, understanding how mathematical ideas interconnect, and as they use mathematics in powerful ways across the context of their lives. Yet, many students do not see themselves as mathematically capable and/or may not have the opportunity to make their own connections in mathematics learning spaces. This study investigates how preservice teachers learn to disrupt these barriers as they rehearse a group discussion in mixed reality simulations so that students are empowered to make mathematical connections.

Author

• Dawn Woods, Oakland University