Jenni Ingram

Professor Jenni Ingram

Jenni is Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Oxford and a former secondary mathematics teacher. Her research investigates the relationships between mathematical communication, meaning and reasoning, and the ways these are shaped through classroom interaction. Her work on communication-responsive mathematics teaching examines the mathematical significance of students’ contributions and the decisions teachers make in responding to them. She is particularly interested in understanding the complexity of mathematical activity in classrooms and in bringing together research and teachers’ professional knowledge to deepen our understanding of mathematics teaching and learning.

Keynote: Beyond talk: Intertwining communication, meaning and reasoning in mathematics classrooms

Mathematical communication is often treated as a way of expressing thinking and sharing ideas, but what if we take seriously the idea that communication is also part of how mathematical thinking develops? The words, symbols, diagrams and represenKeishatations we use do more than convey mathematical ideas: they shape what we notice, the connections we make and the opportunities for mathematical reasoning.

In this talk we will explore the relationship between mathematical communication, meaning and reasoning, drawing on recent research. Through familiar mathematical topics, tasks and activities, we will examine how language and communication shape mathematical meanings, sometimes in subtle and unexpected ways. In particular, we will consider how we recognise the mathematical significance of what our students communicate and how our responses can deepen mathematical meanings and create opportunities for further mathematical reasoning.

Date: Thursday 1 July 10:15-11:30