In the Moment: Conferring in the Elementary Math Classroom

Conferring in math supports students' learning

How do we support all students' mathematical sense-making and move their thinking forward in the midst of problem solving?

Talking to students about their work, while they work, is a powerful way of supporting learning. We often engage in these conversations with our readers and writers, and these interactions are just as needed in mathematics. What does it look like to talk with students about their mathematical thinking so that their thinking grows?

Practical, research-based guidance for getting started

In the Moment offers research-based guidance for conferring with your students in math. Jen Munson explains how, in just a few minutes, a math conference provides opportunities for supporting productive struggle, helping students grow their ideas, and differentiating instruction.

You'll learn about:

• the process of conferring: eliciting, interpreting, and nudging
• creating the conditions for conferring in your classroom
• responding to your students' thinking in the moment of a conference
• addressing unique challenges teachers face when conferring in math
• using conferring as formative assessment.

Enhanced with online videos showing real math conferences and teacher reflections, this comprehensive, student-centered approach to conferring helps you step into your students' mathematical lives to support their learning, communication, and participation. It provides the guidance and support needed to get started with conferring and see it become a crucial part of your teaching.


About the Author

Jen Munson is an assistant professor of learning sciences at Northwestern University studying interactions and learning in the math classroom. She is a former classroom teacher and professional developer who has worked with teachers and school leaders across the U.S. to develop responsive, equitable mathematics instruction. Jen received her PhD in mathematics education from Stanford University. She is also coauthor of the Mindset Mathematics curriculum series.