Module 5

ST Math Professional Learning Modules for VIP Tutors  

Puzzle Talks: 

• Engage students in discussion using the Problem Solving Process

• Focus on discussing the mathematics not simply teaching the puzzle

• Focus on strategies students use to solve the problems

• Focus on identifying and connecting math concepts

Puzzle Talks: What Are They?

Module 5

Discourse should. . .

• be student-led and facilitated by the tutor (facilitate through the process by using the prompts, I see, I know, etc.) to think through puzzles and help with the appropriate mathematical language.  
• promote, deepen, and support student thinking as they grapple with concepts and build understanding.
• give students the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
• hold students accountable for their thinking, not just giving correct answers.

Puzzle Talks: Promoting Discourse

Module 5

Puzzle Talk: Lesson Preparation

Module 5

1. View the Game in a Minute video for the puzzle
2. Play the puzzles 
3. Review the feedback form 

Puzzle Talk: Lesson Preparation

Module 5

Game in a Minute Videos provide an overview of the puzzles that make up the game sequence.

Puzzle Talk: Lesson Preparation

Module 5

We recommend tutors play the ST Math puzzles themselves before engaging students in a Puzzle Talk. This will help anticipate the mathematics that students will bring to the conversation during the Problem Solving Process.

The links for the games are provided in the tutoring lessons.

Puzzle Talk: Lesson Preparation

Module 5

The Feedback Form provides tutors with a description of what the students should know and be able to do by the end of a lesson series. Tutors should review prior to the session. 

• Facilitate student thinking using the Problem Solving Process.
• Position students as authors of their learning by asking questions to help them think through the problems.
• Support the development of the lesson objective through discussions.

Puzzle Talk Moves

Module 5

Reminder: Tutors can refer back to puzzles, answer student questions with a question that promotes thinking, and use tools like a virtual whiteboard, annotation tools, and puzzle controls to help students make connections.

Puzzle Talk: Example

Module 5

Watch the video of a teacher conducting a Puzzle Talk. Notice how she uses the Problem Solving Process to make her students' thinking visible and supports them with language to help them communicate their ideas.

Puzzle Talk: Look For

Module 5

• Every Puzzle Talk begins by giving students access. What do you see? (I see…)

• Use the Problem-Solving Process to facilitate student thinking and promote math learning.

• Be sure to discuss student strategies, test them, discuss the feedback, and what was learned from it.

Puzzle Talk: Supports

Module 5

Puzzle Talk Supports in Tutoring Lessons:

• The lesson description includes a mathematical focus to highlight the math.  

• Additional questions and discussion sequence suggestions are provided.

• A second activity to connect, communicate, and/or apply mathematics learning is included.

ST Math Professional Learning Modules for VIP Tutors  

Module 5

The End 

Tips: 

• As students share their thinking, use the opportunity to make vocabulary connections. Capture the vocabulary words on a whiteboard or paper, or annotate on the screen.
• Be sure to discuss strategies and solutions that are incorrect. What was learned from using those strategies and solutions?
• Make use of the puzzle controls in order to use the visuals to support the conversation.