Are You Ready for a Discourse-Based Mathematics Curriculum?

Despite a slight increase in the recent NAEP scores, most students are still below grade level in mathematics. Discourse-based mathematics is proven to have a remarkable impact on student understanding and helps teachers cultivate more effective and engaging learning environments. This approach to teaching allows students to think and discuss for themselves, rather than respond to a lecture.

A shift to a discourse-based mathematics curriculum isn’t as simple as opening a new textbook. You need guidance and training to reshape your teaching mindset. You also need time to create a student-centered learning environment. If a discourse-based curriculum is on your school’s horizon, here are a few things you will want to consider as you prepare for this change.

Three Must-Haves for a Successful Transition to Discourse-Based Mathematics

1. Mindset Work Based on Research and Data

According to John Hattie’s research on teacher estimates of achievement, fostering a positive mindset toward students’ skills and potential is crucial because there’s a connection between our thoughts and our actions. Low estimates of student achievement often sound like, “This is too hard,” or “My students can’t do this,” and can become self-fulfilling prophecies where remediation becomes the fallback and grade-level content is sacrificed. While equal students learn differently, it is important to believe every student can be successful with grade-level content. If you believe in all students' potential and consistently provide them with grade-level content, their growth and proficiency will follow.



2. Consistency and Perseverance

Introducing discourse-based routines requires consistency and perseverance because they are likely different than the way you have been teaching or were taught when you were a student. Change can be hard, but working with coaches, observing classrooms, and witnessing effective practices will help. Here are some more ideas:



• Allow students individual thinking time for deeper reflection. Hesitate that extra 10–20 seconds so students can adequately process the question. Educators are consistently impressed at how participation drastically increases by simply extending individual think time.
• Model structured Turn and Talks, in which students actively listen and respond to each other. Structured Turn and Talks ensure every student is engaged and contributing.
• Practice shifting the rephrasing and repeating of challenging mathematical vocabulary and explanations from the teacher to the students to reinforce student-centered discourse.
• Maintain a perky pace to ensure time is used efficiently. Just because you provide extra thinking and processing time doesn’t mean instruction slows down. It’s just different—less one-sided, more interactive, more student voices being heard. A noisy classroom is a good thing here!
3. Prioritizing Professional Learning Plans

Whether provided by your district or a vendor partner, focus professional learning time on high-impact instructional moves, like those noted above, language routines, and establishing classroom structures that uplift discourse-based learning. Don’t wait for the new curriculum books to arrive—implement these changes now to effectively prepare.

Benefits of a Discourse-Based Approach

Student engagement is pivotal for success. Research shows that boredom negatively impacts academic growth by almost a full year, while engaged students are more likely to excel. By prioritizing discourse, you place students at the heart of learning, resulting in:

• Joyful and dynamic mathematics classrooms
• Greater engagement and satisfaction
• Improved teacher estimates of achievement—a key growth factor, according to research

Timing Is Critical

Adopting a discourse-based curriculum requires meticulous planning, consistent support, and a collective commitment to change. It can take two years or more to fully integrate and begin seeing benefits from any new curriculum, so start preparing now for the best outcomes. With the right mindset, professional learning, and leadership, this transformative approach can significantly enhance student learning and engagement.

Want to learn more? Check out our discourse-based mathematics solutions.

Related Blogs:
Emphasizing Conceptual Knowledge versus Procedural Knowledge in Mathematics Education
5 Practices That Promote Math Discourse
Bringing Clarity to Math Instruction and Understanding

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