Welcome to Module 1: Mathematical Argumentation! 

The purpose of this module is to develop and deepen your understanding of what mathematical argumentation, its purposes in the discipline of mathematics, and to start thinking about its purposes in the mathematics classroom. Once we’re clearer on what it is and its role, we can be more deliberate about how we organize our own students’ mathematical activity and be clearer about our goals for students.

Module 1 introduces you to mathematical argumentation. In the first part you will work to establish a shared definition of argumentation. In the second part you will visit a third grade classroom to watch argumentation in action and then analyze students’ written arguments.

The goals of Module 1 include:

Part 1: What is a Mathematical Argument

A. Establish a shared definition of argumentation

B. Identify different approaches to an argument

Part 2: Mathematical Argumentation in the Classroom

A. Connect argumentation to a classroom context

B. Analyze student work samples