Digging Deeper

How teachers react to wrong answers and mistakes makes all the difference in mathematics class. The response can determine whether a student tunes out or delves in.

In this comprehensive sequel to Making Number Talks Matter, Ruth Parker and Cathy Humphreys explore more deeply the ways Number Talks can transform student understanding of mathematics. Through vignettes and videos, you’ll meet teachers who are learning to listen closely to students and prompting them to figure things out for themselves. You’ll learn how they make on-the-spot decisions, continually advancing and deepening the conversation. Personal and accessible, this book highlights:

• the kinds of questions that elicit deeper thinking;
• ways to navigate tricky, problematic, or just plain hard exchanges in the classroom;
• how to more effectively use wait time during Number Talks;
• the importance of creating a safe learning environment; and
• how to nudge students to think more flexibly without directing their thinking.

This book offers a rich assortment of ideas to help make Number Talks even more vibrant and meaningful for you and your students.