The Role of the Teacher

in GroupworkCamille Jones

EDC 448

SummaryAs students in the education program at The University of Rhode Island, we know how important group work is in classrooms. It serves as a way to engage our students in meaningful and educational conversation with their peers. Many of us know that this is not always easy for students especially in abstract topics such as math. In my poster I will look at the study “The Role of Teaching in Groupwork”, Chris Stevens worked with ninth grade students to see which methods of group work were most effective in mathematics. Stevens found that being prepared as a teacher with the mentality of his students was what allowed him to see the mathematical troubles they may encounter. He also examines how student should be grouped together and which methods are most effective. Overall Stevens solidifies the argument that working in groups for solving mathematics is very effective for student learning if done properly. It helps the students listen, argue their points and make meaning of what they are solving. When visiting my poster you will learn about which methods of group work were found most effective while Stevens worked with ninth grade math students. It will be very helpful for other subjects as well to be able to see what types of methods work in general for questioning and getting students involved in group work. You will walk away with new ideas on how to form groups in your classroom and ways to involve the students more in the activities.

How do we know when students are doing there group work as we intend?

Chris Stephens works with 9th grade algebra students. Decided to listen into group work using audio recorders to tailor his role as the class teacher and impact the students learning.

What should students work on in mathematical groups?

Students should work on tasks that can be approached in a handful of ways. This allows for real problem solving skills to come into play.Students are able to compare and contrast points which creates a deeper level thinking.This allows for mathematical language and description.

How does group work help in Mathematics?

If group work is smooth it can provide the opportunity for self scaffolding. Students will take initiative in the mathematics if they are given problems that require a lot of thought and reasoning. Allows students to see how others would get the same answer.

Teacher Preparation for Group Work

Teachers should try out the task beforehand to understand the material from all angles. Allows the teacher to think as a student, “What aspects of the task would students have questions about?” “Where might they go wrong?” “How can I allow for them to learn in an exploratory way?”

How can math teachers scaffold group work

Help cardsWriting framePractical materialsAlternative versions of the same task

How to Select GroupsFriendship groupsSelf-selected groupsRandomly-assigned groupsTeacher engineered groups

Role of the Teacher Carefully listen to the students problems and concerns.Give suitable support but not overbearing.Allow for revision when appropriate.

Class FeedbackStudents tend to shy away from large group conversations.Ask different groups to come up with answers to different questions. Poster feedback instead of oral feedback to show understanding. Important to communicate their logical skills.

Mathematical Understanding

Throughout experience the researcher found that students develop their mathematical understanding through listening to peers and explaining their thoughts to someone else. Engagement leads to more in depth knowledge.