“Please Turn and Talk”: Mathematical Discussions in Elementary Classrooms

Abstract

This research explores the perceptions of elementary math teachers on mathematical communication. The purpose of this research is to better support all students by understanding the benefits, limitations and strategies that are used to utilize mathematical communication to support higher-level thinking. Data were collected for this study over a period of 4 weeks using the transcribed audio recordings of semi-structured interviews with teachers, and through analysis of a reflective teaching journal. Data were coded through constant comparative analysis to find themes that emerged about the perceptions, benefits and limitations that teachers noted when using mathematical communication, or math-talk, in their classroom.