To engage students in meaningful math discussions, it is important to first understand why they might be hesitant to engage in such conversations. According to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, one reason students might be reluctant to engage in math conversations is that they do not feel confident in their math skills. Additionally, students may be shy or feel like they do not have the right skills to have meaningful discussions.

It is important to remember that students do not need to be experts in math to have meaningful discussions. It can be helpful for students to have some knowledge and understanding of math concepts, but they are not required to know everything. When engaging students in math conversations, it is important to focus on how they solve certain problems rather than focusing on the math itself.

It can be helpful to have a set agenda for each math discussion so that everyone is on the same page. It is also important to avoid giving students homework instead of having discussions. Homework can be a barrier to engaging students in math conversations as it can take away from their free time. Instead, it is more effective to provide opportunities for students to engage in math discussions inside the class.

Overall, it is important to remember that students do not need to be experts in math to have meaningful discussions. By focusing on how students solve certain problems and providing opportunities for them to engage in discussions outside of class, it can be easier to engage students in meaningful math conversations.