Cooperative Learning Math Lesson Plans

Cooperative learning is a form of learning based on group work and cooperation. Students of different levels are placed in groups together and are responsible for mastering material that has been presented in class. The key to cooperative based learning is creating a sense of responsibility for every member of the group and also creating a mentality where the group feels that they all achieve together. It is through this use of interdependence, accountability and social interaction that cooperative learning thrives. This style of learning can be easily applied to math lessons.

An easy example of a cooperative learning math lesson would be for a teacher to assign a work sheet or set of math problems to groups of 4-5 students. It would be explained to the students that they all must work together to solve each problem and are all accountable for being able to explain how the group arrived at any given answer. Setting these guidelines would encourage students to help one another, if a concept is not clear to some members of the group. Explaining concepts to peers not only helps the student who was in need of assistance, but strengthens the concept for the student who is teaching. At the end of the period, or allotted time, the teacher could have each group present one of the problems and then turn the assignment in.




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