Extending discourse on gradient: Given and New

Kimber, Elizabeth and Smith, Cathy (2022). Extending discourse on gradient: Given and New. In: Proceedings of the British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics, 42(2), article no. 5.

URL: https://bsrlm.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BS...

Abstract

Classroom discourse on gradients develops from gradients of straight lines to gradients of curves and the gradient function. We can then ask: what are particular features of teachers’ language when talking about gradient in public discussions, and what might their role be in developing the discourse on gradient? Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) offers tools to analyse teachers’ linguistic choices such as the Thematic and Information structures of teachers’ speech. We report here on SFL analysis of classroom data from a GCSE lesson in which the teacher used the context of speed to introduce the idea of changing gradients of curves. Our analysis revealed use of relational clauses to identify gradient with other concepts and a relationship between the kinematics context and the use of speed in the Information structure of the teacher’s speech.

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