Session 2: Mathematical Argumentation in the Classroom

The goals of Session 2 include:

A. Connect argumentation to a classroom context

B. Analyze student arguments and the relationship between argumentation and conceptual understanding

 

2.1. Introduction

(02:18)
To download the slides please click here Introduction

2.2. Why teachers value argumentation

Why do you value argumentation in your classrooms?

Video 1: HS teacher John T talks about Argumentation and Perseverance 


(00:23)

Video 2: Elementary teacher Sarah B talks about leveling the playing field and finding the math power in each student


(00:36)

2.3. Argumentation in Action: Is It a Half?

2.3.1. Overview of Activities for Is It a Half? Task

(02:53)

To download the slides please click here Argumentation in Action

2.3.2. Short Guide on Viewing Videos

In our experience, watching classroom video is most informative when we keep certain principles in mind. This brief guide gives suggestions for how to get the most professional learning out of watching classroom videos. 

(01:36)

To download the slides please click here How to Watch a Classroom Video

 

2.3.3. Is It a Half? Task

Is it a Half ChartBefore engaging with the videos, you should familiarize yourself with the task being done by students. 

A. Do the Task – Please download and read the Task and Task Cards document. 

B. Class Background – Please download and read the Background on Class for Video document.

2.3.4 Is It a Half? Videos and Reflection

The next set of activities involves three video clips. For each, first review the guiding questions. Then, watch the brief video clip and reflect on the questions for that clip. After each clip, review the summary slides and commentary for that clip.

Clip 1 - Is it a Half?

A. Video

(03:31)

B. Guiding Questions

Guiding questions as you start watching:
a. As you watch, listen for the students’ ideas. How are they understanding what a half is?
b. What is the role of argumentation at this point in the lesson?

Reflection questions after the clip:
c. Reflect on a & b.
d. What might the teacher do next? How might she, or you, support these two students in sorting through and extending their ideas about ½?

C. Commentary On Clip 1

To download the slides please click here Is It a Half Clip 1
Please download and read the Transcript of Clip 1 - Is It a Half

Clip 2 - What Makes Something a Half?

A. Video

(02:40)

B. Guiding Questions

Guiding questions as you start watching:
a. As you watch, listen for the students’ ideas. How are they understanding what a half is?
b. What is the role of argumentation at this point in the lesson?

C. Commentary on Clip 2

To download the slides please click here Is It a Half Clip 2
Please download and read the Transcript of Is It a Half Clip 2 document.

Clip 3 - Three Parts
a. Developing a counting strategy
b. Using the counting strategy, and continuing to make sense
c. Argumentation and error detection

clip3ex

A. Transcript

Please download and read the Transcript of Is It a Half Clip 3 document.

B. Guiding Questions

Guiding questions as you start reading:
a. As you watch, listen for the students’ ideas. How are they understanding what a half is?
b. What is the role of argumentation at this point in the lesson?
Reflection questions after reading the transcript of the clip:
c. Reflect on a & b.
d. What might the teacher do next? How might she, or you, support these two students in sorting through and extending their ideas about ½?

C. Commentary on Clip 3

To download the slides please click here Is It a Half Clip 3

2.3.5 Summarizing Is It a Half?

1-2-3-e (150x113)

Please download and watch the Summary of Is It a Half slides.

2.4 A Secondary Perspective

Since the "Is It a Half?" video focused on an elementary classroom, we have included a secondary level task and work samples here. Please do the task, review the work samples, and use the page of guiding questions to reflect on and discuss the students’ work samples. After discussing, click on the educreations video for some project commentary on the student work samples. More detailed discussion of individual work samples has also been included.

2.4.1. Inverses Task

Start by downloading and working through the the Inverses Task.

2.4.2. Student Work Inverse

Next, please download and examine the Student Work Samples for the Inverses Task.

2.4.3. Commentary on Student Work Inverses

Then, download and watch the Commentary video for discussion of the student work samples.

2.4.4. Commentary on Inverses Talk Frame

Lastly, download and read a word or a pdf document. These documents provide detailed discussions of the arguments made by students for the Inverses Task.

2.5 Bridging to Practice

ericortner-brooklyn-bridge-2400px

1-2-5 (150x112) Please download and watch the Bridging to Practice slides.

 

 

 

 

 

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