The University of Montana
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Technical report #22/2008
A Morphology of Teacher Discourse in the Mathematics Classroom
Libby Knott
University of Montana
Bharath Sriraman
The University of Montana
&
Irv Jacob
Abstract
Discourse in mathematics classrooms is surprisingly complex and both student and teacher mathematical discourse contain distinct, identifiable elements. Student discourse is necessarily focused on understanding concepts and solving mathematical problems. Teacher discourse contains some of these same elements, but when examined critically it gives rise to major distinctions. Teacher discourse is directed at improving student understanding and also the logistics of the classroom, and thus is often meta-mathematical in nature. We shine a light on the tactics teachers use which are part of meta-mathematical discourse such as re-voicing, redirecting, questioning, clarifying. Contrasts are explored between student and teacher discourse.
Keywords: discourse morphology; discourse tactics; discourse tools; meta-mathematical discourse; student discourse; teacher discourse
AMS Subject Classification: 97
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Technical Report: pdf (87 KB)
Pre-print of paper in press in International Journal of Mathematics Education Policy and Practice