Think+Alouds

**Think Alouds**

**Content** Think alouds help students understand different ways of thinking in order to read math text or solve math problems.

**Grade Level** This strategy can be used with middle school or high school students.

**Curriculum Standards** Here are different standards based off of 7th grade CSOs for WV.
 * M.0.7.1.6 use inductive reasoning to find and justify the laws of exponents with numeric bases.
 * M.0.7.2.4 analyze proportional relationships in real-world situations, select an appropriate method to determine the solution and justify reasoning for choice of method to solve.
 * M.0.7.2.8 represent algebraically and solve real-world application problems and justify solutions.

**Description of Practices** In math instruction, this strategy allows teachers and students to explore word problems out loud as well as texts in order to explain what is occurring. Here are a few steps that teachers can follow when creating think alouds: These steps can also be used in order to interpret world problems. Students can read a problem independently, write down what they see, and then take the steps to completing the problem.
 * When a new chapter is about to begin, have students go through it page by page, and explore.
 * Have them describe what they see or what they notice about the topics.
 * Allow students to make predictions and connections of prior knowledge.
 * Have a class discussion about what was found.
 * Place the ideas on the board and justify why the students thought this way in order to examine their thought process.

**Implementation Considerations** This strategy can be used in either a small group or large group setting. It might be beneficial to start off independently exploring or getting into small groups and then progressing to larger groups or whole class discussions. This is a great way to differentiate instruction based on students' needs. Teachers have the flexibility to choose how a think aloud is completed and how much student participation is required.

**Example** [|Think aloud example] This example shows many different ways to incorporate think alouds in the classroom in math, but also other subjects as well.

**Citation** Rosenzweig, C., Krawec, J., & Montague, M. (2011). Metacognitive strategy use of eighth-grade students with and without learning disabilities during mathematical problem solving: A think-aloud analysis. //Journal Of Learning// //Disabilities//, //44//(6), 508-520.