Archived Information

State of the Art: Mathematics - July 1993

image omitted Students need shared learning experiences.

Steven Kirsner [interviewer]: What's that been like to work in groups instead of what you're used to?

Penelope [sophomore, special education student, referring to her first opportunity to study meaningful mathematics]: Well, first of all...when I didn't work in groups, it was harder to get to know people....We just worked separate and we actually didn't learn practically anything, but what we learned from the teacher. Here we learn from everybody. We learn how they do it, how they understand it, and we share our ideas with each other. 

                                (Kirsner and Bethell 1992, pp. 17-18)
Cooperative learning transforms the teaching and learning of mathematics to model the work force environment. In the work force, teams of people collaborate to solve difficult problems. The expertise of each team member adds a dimension to the solution process. Students need to learn to work cooperatively, too. Students working together help each other learn. Together, students can often tackle challenging situations that would be beyond the capacities of the individuals who comprise the group. The group situation can motivate students and stimulate mathematical discussion, thus helping each student realize her or his own potential.

In order for this group process to work effectively, the teacher must carefully prepare the learning environment. Problems presented to the group should be too difficult or too complex for one child to solve alone. The problems should also pique the group's interest and curiosity. The teacher must ensure that all children participate in the group work and learn cooperative skills. Teachers themselves may need inservice education in using cooperative learning strategies so they can successfully implement them in the classroom.

Research indicates several positive effects of cooperative learning in mathematics education. When coupled with individual accountability, cooperative learning leads to greater academic achievement. Cooperative learning also can increase the self-esteem and self-confidence of the learners and lead to positive intergroup relations--including cross-racial and cross-cultural friendships and social acceptance of mainstreamed children--and greater ability to use social skills.
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[Calculators, computers, and related technology can be effective tools in the teaching and learning of mathematics.] [Table of Contents] [Curricular and pedagogical change in mathematics cannot occur without accompanying change in student assessment.]

This page was last updated January 4, 2002 (jca)