NUMBER TALKS

How are number talks supporting the development of our students’ mathematical processes (communicating, understanding and fluency, problem-solving and reasoning)?
•Is there a clear mathematical concept underpinning the number talk?
•How are students responding to and engaging with the questions and feedback during number talks?
•How is this supporting the development of their mathematical thinking?

Prior Learning

​This round builds on our recent rounds focusing on Mathematics. The Vaucluse PS 2023 round focusing on developing mathematical thinking; the Strathfield North PS 2023 round based on developing productive struggle in mathematics; and the Burwood PS 2024 round with its problem of practice about explicitly teaching two ensure success.

There are also a wealth of professional learning resources leading from our Mathematics page

The Presentation

The presentation focused on framing Number Talks within a coherent philosophy of maths pedagogy. Download here

Our Big Questions

Pre-Reading

For the Vaucluse 2025 round were two pre-readings:
  1. "Number Talks: Building Numerical Reasoning" by Sherry D. Parrish published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in 2011. This reading sets of five key components of number talks as well as giving examples how they might look in practice. Download here:
  2. "Insights into the True Power of Number Talks" by Nigel Coutts published on "The Learner's Way" in May, 2020. This blog points out the importance of listening to and observing students closely and giving them opportunities to make their thinking visible. Download here: 

Other professional resources
"Pedagogy in Mathematics" Is a 2025 position paper on what is required for effective mathematics teaching by the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers Ltd.  Its guidelines are organised under three broad practices: Purposeful planning, Developing mathematical proficiency, and Adapting to and supporting all learners. It is a must read if you're wanting to think more deeply about the pedagogy of mathematics. Download here: 
"What Works Best in the Mathematics Classroom" is a Youtube produced by Corwin and features Nancy Frey along with a number of highly regarded teachers of mathematics. It presents a coherent theory of teaching maths along with lots of practical strategies and routines that could be incorporated into any classroom.
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.