Weekly Reflection 3

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The Importance of Group Collaboration in Math

This week I really want to discuss the importance of group collaboration within math; I've come to the realization of the importance that group discussion has, especially when exploring new and unfamiliar areas of math. Sure, working in isolation is important too, and completing worksheets and practicing questions will help refine individual math skills; however, when learning a new unit, topic or problem, I think starting off with group collaboration is really beneficial for the students. This allows students to communicate with other students, hear their ideas, learn to problem solve and approach the given issue in new ways – as well, group collaboration helps you to push yourself towards success, possibly more so than problem solving alone offers.

Daniel's integer activity 

This was exemplified in Daniel's math activity – he had us playing a fun and challenging game to find out the missing integers with only 4 clues. At first, our group worked individually about the problem – to be honest, I copied what my group members had down but didn't necessarily understand the reasoning as to why. This method took us awhile to solve the puzzle – I was very confused, felt like I was adding no value to the group dynamic and wanted to give up (in fact, I did give up). However, for the next problem, we read the clues together, communicated with one another and took the time to explain our reasoning and suggestions. With this method, I found myself more engaged, excited to solve the problem, understanding the task better and actually felt as if I were a contributing team member! We solved this problem MUCH quicker than the first time – of course some of this had to do with the fact that we were more familiar with the task, but I believe that a lot of it had to do with the fact we were working as a team.

Danielle's Fraction activity 

 If I had to do this activity alone, I'm fairly confident I would not have been able to solve the puzzle. Reflecting on this, I really want to incorporate the element of group work when I can within my math lessons – I was surprised at what we were capable of as a group. As a teacher, I need to remember that the students are capable of solving these math problems, if given the time and resources to do so. A learning moment happened during Danielle's presentation when she gave us the formulas to remind us of how to divide/multiply fractions. I may not have remembered or known what to do for the activity without this cue if I were doing it alone; however, with the help of my group members I'm sure we would have been able to figure it out. We reflected on this in class – while the purpose of an educator is to help students, we often forget that students are able to teach themselves without us, and we should act more as an aid than a crutch. If we give our students the time to work in a group before we give them a solution or formula, the learning that happens is so much more valuable.

In my placement, my Associate Teacher has her students sitting in groups, and she often allows them time to break off into these seating groups and discuss the problem given. Walking around, I am able to listen to the conversations happening, the students teaching one another and the communication that is happening. My Associate Teacher also tells her students that they should first reread the question, then ask a partner, then ask a group member and then finally, if they are still confused they can put up their hand to ask her. Her students respect this motto, and I personally really like to see the students working together to find out how to understand a problem before running to the teacher for help.

This method of learning also poses an opportunity for discussion and reflection within the group setting. A process expectation (reflecting) for students in grade 8 math is to be able to demonstrate that they are "reflecting on and monitoring their thinking to help clarify their understanding as they complete an investigation or solve a problem" (110). In order to achieve self reflection, I think students have to first learn to reflect with one another when solving problems. This also teaches valuable communication and cooperation skills, not just problem solving. 

Thanks for reading guys! I'll check back in a couple of weeks!

Madeleine 

References:

Heiman, Nikki (2014). Role playing equals an effective strategy for group work. Retrieved from https://heart2heartteaching.com/role-playing-can-be-effective-strategy/

Ontario Ministry of Education (2005). The Ontario curriculum grades 1-8 mathematics (Revised). Toronto, Canada: Queen's Printer.