Use of Visual Representations to Support English Learners' Math Talk

Abstract

Visual representations (VRs) support problem solving skills by helping students clarify ideas, support reasoning, and build concept understanding. VRs should be paired with meaningful discussions and conversations to fully achieve students' conceptual understanding and provide language opportunities (Murata & Stewart, 2017;Bond & Wasik, 2009).Quantitative analysis examined the frequency of types of VRs and their associated purposes.Qualitative analysis explored the patterns in interactive, inferential, student-teacher talk integrating VRs. Results indicated that teachers: (a) frequently incorporated different types of VRs; (2) initiated and led classroom conversations; and (3) focused conversations on content around VRs using a literal or decontextualized level of language abstraction.