Exploring affordances and limitations of between-group movement in elementary mathematics classrooms

In this exploratory study, we examine how between-group movement, as an autonomy-promoting practice, might incentivize or disincentivize sixth-grade students’ engagement in two mathematical practices: (1) making sense of problems and persevering in solving them; and (2) constructing viable arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others. Between-group movement refers to a pedagogical strategy wherein teachers allow groups to physically move within the classroom while problem-solving to discuss strategies, ask for help, or check their work with other groups. Exploring both the affordances and limitations of between-group movement, we found that between-group movement supported groups to construct viable justifications, among other sense-making mathematical practices. However, we also found that some groups over-scaffolded during between-group conversations which disincentivized meaningful engagement in mathematical practices. Furthermore, between-group movement revealed some equity concerns in relation to status-based privileges. The findings imply that between-group movement can be a constructive pedagogical practice under specific conditions.