Harnessing Our Hands to Teach Mathematics

doi:10.1017/9781108235631.010

9 - Harnessing Our Hands to Teach Mathematics

How Gesture Can Be Used as a Teaching Tool in the Classroom

from Part II - Science and Math

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 February 2019

Elizabeth M. Wakefield and

Susan Goldin-Meadow

Edited by

John Dunlosky and

Katherine A. Rawson

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John Dunlosky: Affiliation:
Kent State University, Ohio
Katherine A. Rawson: Affiliation:
Kent State University, Ohio

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Summary

Gestures are movements of the hands that can express ideas and often accompany speech. In this chapter, we review evidence that gesture is an excellent educational tool, particularly when teaching mathematics. We focus on naturalistic studies that establish gesture's relevance to classroom teaching, and laboratory studies that show that gestures promote learning when produced by students or teachers. We conclude this chapter with recommendations for best educational practices involving gesture and future directions for research.

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of Cognition and Education , pp. 209 - 234

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108235631.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2019

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