Math Think-Aloud Strategy

Description of Strategy

Math Think-Aloud involves learning a list of solution steps, often with a set of corresponding

prompts that take the form of questions, such as “What does the problem say?” Students are

taught to ask themselves the questions aloud and continue thinking aloud while answering

them. Student can be encouraged to engage in a running monologue, describing the questions

they are asking of themselves, possible solutions, and difficulties they may encounter. In the

beginning, teachers model the use of the steps and apply the steps to a problem. Gradually, the

teacher transfers responsibility for using the strategy to the student. Over time, the student

internalizes the prompts and self-instructions so that he or she no longer verbalizes them aloud

and the student independently uses the steps to solve problems. For example, students could

be taught to solve problems using the following strategy. Consider this multiplication problem:

5n=50.

Step 1: Identify the variable and the kind of problem. (Answer: n, multiplication)

Step 2: What operation do you use to solve the problem? (Answer: the opposite of

multiplication, division)

Step 3: What number is used to solve the problem and why? (Answer: 5, because it is

next to the variable)

Step 4: Perform the operation on both sides of the equation.

In this case, the teacher can model the strategy (i.e., thinking aloud when following the steps),

use guided practice as he or she checked for comprehension and utility of the strategy, provide

opportunities for independent practice (i.e., homework), assess students on mastery of the

strategy and content, and provide feedback throughout. The teacher should often prompt

students to go to the next step after completing the previous one. Positive reinforcement can be

used throughout to motivate students.