What are Number Talks?
The purpose of Number Talks is to develop computational fluency (accuracy, efficiency, flexibility) in order to focus students’ attention so they will move from:
• figuring out the answers any way they can to . . .
• becoming more efficient at figuring out answers to . . .
• just knowing or using efficient strategies
The teacher gives the class an equation to solve mentally. Students’ strategies are shared, discussed, and recorded to help all students think more flexibly as they work with numbers and operations. Efficiency is valued and highlighted. The session takes about 5-15 minutes.
(sandi.net 2013)
• figuring out the answers any way they can to . . .
• becoming more efficient at figuring out answers to . . .
• just knowing or using efficient strategies
The teacher gives the class an equation to solve mentally. Students’ strategies are shared, discussed, and recorded to help all students think more flexibly as they work with numbers and operations. Efficiency is valued and highlighted. The session takes about 5-15 minutes.
(sandi.net 2013)