Number Talks for Statistics and Probability
- Resource Type
- Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
- Authors
- Gerstenschlager, Natasha E.; Strayer, Jeremy F.
- Source
- Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School. Apr 2019 24(6):363-368.
- Subject
- Numbers
Statistics
Probability
Mathematics Instruction
Mathematics Teachers
Mathematical Concepts
Middle School Students
Middle School Mathematics
Grade 6
Mathematical Logic
Logical Thinking
Thinking Skills
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 1072-0839
Teachers often use number talks at the beginning of class to hear the ways that students understand mathematical topics so that they can base future instruction on student thinking. Students who engage in number talks become accustomed to thinking about mathematics in multiple ways, sharing their thoughts and critiquing the thoughts of others. The authors of this article begin by saying that they have conducted number talks to develop understanding of statistical variability and proportional and probabilistic reasoning with preservice and in-service teachers. These talks, called "statistical number talks" focus on foundational ideas for statistical reasoning. The authors acknowledge that the process of conducting number talks is different depending upon whether participants are students or teachers, however the mathematical ideas that the talks elicit are similar across contexts. To demonstrate to readers how they might implement similar number talks in their own classrooms, the authors present the mathematical ideas brought out in four number talks and set those ideas in the context of a sixth grade classroom.