Non-mathematical Discourse and Private Discourse in Mathematics Instruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to focus on non-mathematical discourse and private discourse as a way to identify the dynamics of interactions in mathematics instruction. The data for this study comprised a series of four lessons about the inverse function of a high school teacher. The findings report that mathematics instruction includes diverse kinds of discourse. Also, non-mathematical discourse and private discourse have their own roles and features and have combinations with mathematical discourse for the purposes of mathematics lessons. Based on results, the analysis of non-mathematical discourse and private discourse would contribute to expanding the understanding of mathematics instruction. This study discusses the roles of different kinds of discourses in mathematics instruction.

Keywords

• discourse in mathematics instruction
• discourse analysis
• mathematical discourse
• non-mathematical discourse
• private discourse