Proximity Partner

Mode of Instruction: Partner Work           Purpose: Build shared understanding

Objective: To facilitate meaningful mathematical discourse, students build shared understanding through comparing approaches and arguments. Teacher monitors approaches through circulation.

To find proximity partners, students stand up, push in chairs, touch 2 tables/desks, three walls, and a chair. The two students closest together are proximity partners. Partners discuss a topic or concept for a period of time—one or two minutes. Partners thank each other and return to the teams.

Stand-Up Hand-Up Partner-Up (Proximity Partners variation)

To find a partner, students stand up, push in chairs, put a hand up, make eye contact, and put hand down. After all hands are down, partners move to meet and discuss a topic or concept.

  • Students stand up and push in chairs.

  • Students touch 3 walls, 2 tables/desks, and 1 chair.

  • The two students closest to one another are proximity partners.

  • Proximity partners briefly discuss a topic or concept.

  • Proximity Partners return to teams.


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