Student talk and opportunities for mathematical learning in small group interactions

Small group interactions are an important tool for mathematical learning and yet researchers have neither examined small group talk across entire lessons nor have they focused on moments of mathematical learning in small groups. We examined such talk and identified kinds of interactions and connections between interactions and mathematical learning. We differentiated talk based upon its focus: mathematical objects (mathematizing), people (subjectifying), or more specifically, people's attributes (identifying). Most of the talk focused on what students were doing or should be doing as opposed to focusing on mathematics. Students also spent considerable time on identifying – talk that revolved around people and their features. Also, there was a struggle over who could talk and about what. In spite of limited mathematical talk, we found evidence of mathematical learning during the task. These findings support a number of conjectures about learners’ vision of their roles as their peers’ teachers or students and the way this vision impacts learning interactions and learning outcomes. It also leads to several suggestions about how to enhance learning in small groups as well as about areas for future research into student interactions.

► Rather than talk about mathematics, students focus their talk on what to do.
► Students also spend considerable time identifying others.
► Students and teachers can shift student identities through interaction.
► Race can play an important role in student identification.
► Students are able to learn mathematics in spite of limited mathematical talk.