Proficiency in mathematics across the United States has become an area of concern as performance on state accountability tests continues to demonstrate that less than 50% of students in 4th and 8th grade are proficient in mathematics (NCES, 2013). With such large numbers of students lacking proficiency in mathematics, systematic interventions that…

Describes qualitative aspects of explicit and less explicit explanations of cognitive reasoning processes associated with mathematical problem solving strategies. Includes lesson excerpts to illustrate three major differences between explicit and less explicit explanations. (MG)