WHITEPAPER

Selecting and Sequencing Student Solutions

Facilitating productive mathematics discussions in the classroom

When students share, discuss, and compare strategies, teachers have greater insight into students' thinking. Research shows there are best practices that can be used to create a classroom environment that fosters rich classroom discussions.

It is important to observe student strategies in the classroom to help teachers plan for classroom conversations and anticipate possible solutions.

This whitepaper examines the best practices that are viewed as critical components of a well-designed plan to make purposeful and thoughtful decisions that strengthen students' understanding of robust mathematics.

Gladis Kersaint, Ph.D.

Gladis is the Dean of the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut and a respected scholar in mathematics education. She has published books, chapters, and journal articles on teacher education, effective teaching of at-risk students, and the use of technology in teaching and learning. She was a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Board of Directors and Executive Committee for three years and served on the editorial panel of Mathematics Teacher Educator. Her work is driven by the belief that all students deserve equitable access and opportunities to learn mathematics so they can benefit from the options education provides.