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?

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.

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.