Let's look at this problem in a classroom setting.

Watch the video segment at left (duration 3:50), in which a class is working on the problem. Note how the students talk about mathematics and how the teacher communicates with them.

After you have watched the video, reflect on the following questions:

• In what ways did the students in the video communicate about their solution? How precise were they?
• What questions might the teacher ask that would help disclose what the students understood?
• What kinds of comments might the teacher make to encourage students to talk to and listen to one another?
• What does the teacher accept as answers?
• What might you, in this classroom, have done to encourage communication? Be specific.

You may wish to watch the video again. In this, as in any classroom, there is communication from teacher to student, student to teacher, and student to student. Watch for all three types of communication.

  Observe a classroom