Agree & Disagree Statements (A&D Statements) provide an opportunity for students to practice
metacognition (thinking about their own understanding). Students use A&D Statements to
analyze a set of “fact or fiction” statements which “primes the pump” for inquiry by having
students describe how they could prove each statement using concrete or virtual tools,
mathematical procedures, conduct an investigation or identify information sources that would
help them determine the validity of the statement. In small groups, A&D Statements
encourage mathematical or scientific discussion and argumentation. Students solidify their
own thinking, consider other views, and modify their thinking as new information replaces or
becomes assimilated into their existing knowledge and beliefs by defending or challenging
arguments aimed at the statements.