[Fostering Flexible Equation Solving in Classroom Talk-the Contribution of Comparing Solution Methods].

Abstract

Students struggle with planning suitable solution methods in equation solving. Planning suitable solution methods is key to flexibility, a desired skill for equation solving. Comparing solution methods has been shown to foster flexibility. To support the learning benefits of the comparisons, productive classroom talk, which includes the discussion of different solution methods, is recommended. This study examines whether discussions that compare multiple methods include more planning processes than discussions that do not compare multiple solution methods or that are just about one solution method. The content analysis is based on utterances from 172 lessons from 43 classrooms in grades 9 and 10. The hypothesis is tested both across classes using binary logistic regression models and at the class level using paired samples t‑tests. The results show that planning processes are addressed about twice as often when comparing multiple solution methods. Additionally, the study finds that enacting solution methods is the most frequent topic in classroom talk about solving equations.