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.

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Apr 11th, 4:00 PM Apr 11th, 5:00 PM

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.