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Improving Number Sense Using Number Talks, Kelsie Ruter

Master of Education Program Theses

This action research study examines the effects of using number talks instruction in the second grade classroom on number sense/critical thinking in mathematics. The sample included 47 students from two second grade classes in two suburban public elementary schools serving mostly upper middle class neighborhoods. For four weeks in the middle of the second trimester, an experimental group was exposed to the teaching of math through number talks, in addition to their regular math instruction. A control group was instructed using their regular methods and curriculum. Both groups were given a pretest and posttest of “rich math tasks.” Comparison data …