2007/11/01 by Kathleen S. Himmelberger, Daniel L. Schwartz
Mathematics · #Statistics Education and Methodologies
paper · doi:10.5951/mt.101.4.0250
The Standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2000) state that instructional programs should enable all students to communicate mathematical ideas. The Standards indicate that good communication includes the ability to express organized and precise ideas as well as the ability to analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking of others. Learning mathematics goes beyond procedural fluency; it also includes learning to discuss mathematical ideas. For this purpose, small groups have become a frequent configuration in the mathematics classroom. When combined with a suitable exercise, small-group discussions can have positive effects on mathematical understanding.