Mathematical Teamwork: Collaborative Learning in the High School Classroom
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2014
Location
Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-11-2014 4:00 PM
End Date
4-11-2014 5:00 PM
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
Picture a typical high school mathematics classroom: students suffer from anxiety, are disengaged, and struggle to communicate with one another about the content. Education researchers have found benefits with incorporating collaborative learning including increased confidence levels, expansion of positive problem solving attitudes, interpersonal skills, and an increased sense of excitement towards mathematics. My qualitative self study investigated how to effectively integrate collaboration to maximize its benefits in my classroom. Through analyzing observational field notes, lesson plans, and candid pictures of group activities, I found students actively cooperated to problem solve, students developed a sense of teamwork in order to find success with math, and students gained independence and moved away from reliance upon the teacher. Overall, as the students become more comfortable with cooperation, the more productive the collaborative learning activity can be.
Mathematical Teamwork: Collaborative Learning in the High School Classroom
Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University
Picture a typical high school mathematics classroom: students suffer from anxiety, are disengaged, and struggle to communicate with one another about the content. Education researchers have found benefits with incorporating collaborative learning including increased confidence levels, expansion of positive problem solving attitudes, interpersonal skills, and an increased sense of excitement towards mathematics. My qualitative self study investigated how to effectively integrate collaboration to maximize its benefits in my classroom. Through analyzing observational field notes, lesson plans, and candid pictures of group activities, I found students actively cooperated to problem solve, students developed a sense of teamwork in order to find success with math, and students gained independence and moved away from reliance upon the teacher. Overall, as the students become more comfortable with cooperation, the more productive the collaborative learning activity can be.