Bridging the Gap: Building Math Confidence Through Equity and Vocabulary
Too often, the powerful ideas of equity and cultural responsiveness seem abstract, leaving teachers unsure of how to translate them into concrete math-class practices. This post offers practical moves to make those principles visible and actionable. Why Vocabulary Matters Our goal isn’t just learning vocabulary; it’s building strong academic communication skills. Purposeful math talk enhances achievement and broadens students’ ability for deep, conceptual thinking. Overcoming Reluctance: Structured Talk Moves Many students hesitate to explain their reasoning because thinking and speaking at the same time are cognitively demanding. Structured talks provide a clear framework that allows everyone to participate in meaningful mathematical discussions. Equity and Agency: Key Ideas Equity : what is fair and just Agency : the power and capacity to act When equity is used to foster agency, students build confidence, independence, and perseverance; skills directly aligned with the Standar...