Most, looking up when she asks, nod. She asks who would like to begin. Two girls go to the overhead projector. The teacher solicits other students' comments about the girls' solution without labeling it right or wrong. She expects the students, as members of a learning community, to decide if an idea makes sense mathematically.
Students respectfully question one another's ideas.
There is no sense here that being wrong is shameful. The teacher and students are quiet for a moment, thinking about this. Then Mrs. Morgan looks over the group and asks if anyone has a comment or a question about this solution. He demonstrates by pointing at the number line above the chalkboard. Starting at nine, he counts back eight using a pointer.