Teachers' Role in Inquiry Mathematics Instruction
Inquiry mathematics instruction is dependent on successful implementation by the teacher. This two-part video group highlights two aspects of the teacher’s role: 1) instructional planning and 2) conducting productive class discussions.
Video Segment 4a
This segment describes principles that guide instructional planning. Examples from Parts I and II of the Structuring Numbers sequence are used to discuss and illustrate two issues that are an essential part of the teacher’s planning: 1) selecting which activities to include in the lesson and 2) selecting tasks to pose for the selected activities. The discussion emphasizes how the teacher makes use of what she knows and understands about her students’ ways of reasoning in her planning activity.
Video Segment 4b
This segment uses a brief lesson excerpt from Part I of the Structuring Numbers sequence to illustrate techniques the teacher uses to ensure that class discussions are productive for student learning. The excerpt is analyzed in detail to explain how each of the teacher’s remarks and questions function to promote an effective discussion.