Cooperative Learning in Mathematics

By: Michaela Salois

Belief that learning is most effective when students are actively involved in sharing ideas by working together with their peers to complete academic tasks.

This strategy shifts the focus from lecture-based and teacher-centered instruction to student-centered learning.

What is cooperative learning?

In mathematics:◦ 64% of teachers reported using textbooks as their

primary resource.

◦ 58% of class time included teacher lecture, teacher-guided student practice and students working on their own.

◦ Other activities were reviewing homework, clarifying content and taking tests/quizzes.

The Need for Instructional Changes

Positive interdependence

Promoting interaction

Individual accountability

Interpersonal & Small-group skills

Group processing

Benefits of Cooperative Learning

Student Teams-Achievement Divisions (STAD)◦ Heterogeneous groups, work in groups then take

individual quizzes and earn team points.

Teams-Games-Tournament (TGT)◦ Same as STAD, but compete in tournaments against

teams who are equal in terms of performance.

JIGSAW◦ Class divided into small groups, then move to other

groups and teach the information.

Models of Cooperative Learning

Need to prepare extra materials for class.

Fear of the loss of content coverage.

Do not trust students in acquiring knowledge by themselves.

Lack familiarity with cooperative learning methods.

Lack the skills to work in groups.

Challenges

Increased success in mathematics achievement and problem solving.

Social skills became stronger.

Taught students to be self-dependent, hard-working, respectful and understanding of other points-of-view.

Comprehend more when actively participate in discussion and activities.

Educational Outcomes

Effandi, Zakaria, and Iksan Zanaton. "Promoting Cooperative Learning in Science and Mathmatics." Eurasia Journal of Matematics, Science & Technology Education (2007): 35-39. Web. 25 Apr. 2011. <http://www.ejmste.com/v3n1/EJMSTEv3n1_Zakaria&Iksan.pdf>.

Sources