This thesis analyses whole-class interactions in the mathematics lessons of four mathematics teachers and their pupils. A conversation analytic approach was taken in analysing the transcripts of whole-class interactions, focusing on those interactions that were about mathematics. The sequential organisation of talk, in particular turn-taking and preference organisation, is examined for similarities and differences across the four classrooms and the implications these may have for the teaching and learning of mathematics are explored. This research also examines the discursive construction of the mathematical tasks and activities in each of the classrooms. The analysis reveals that the teachers and pupils orient to the institutional setting in which the interaction occurs. The structure of interactions in formal classrooms offers opportunities that can support particular features of learning mathematics, such as using mathematical terminology, building in opportunities for pupils to think about the mathematics, explain their reasoning, and ask mathematically related questions. However, these structures also constrain the interactions and so features of learning mathematics only feature in interactions that deviate from the usual patterns of interaction in formal classrooms, such as argumentation and justification. Finally, this research offers evidence that the way mathematical tasks and activities are talked into being affects the nature of the mathematics that the pupils experience.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:560338 |
| Date | January 2012 |
| Creators | Ingram, Jennifer |
| Publisher | University of Warwick |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/49627/ |
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