Math Groupwork

Why Use Groupwork to Teach Mathematics?

Mathematics is not just about numbers; it’s about problem-solving, critical thinking, and opening doors to new ways of understanding the world around us. When middle school students come together to tackle math problems, they’re not just learning how to calculate; they’re learning how to communicate, to argue constructively, and to see mathematical problems from varied perspectives.

_{We belive that is where true learning happens!}

The heart of our research lies in understanding and documenting the journey of students as they learn to collaborate effectively in small groups, unraveling the nuanced dynamics of equitable participation.

We aim to describe the evolving nature of student collaboration in understanding mathematics, re-define what constitutes equitable collaboration in diverse classroom settings, highlight the mathematical learning and identity development occurring within these small groups, and, develop a comprehensive set of resources aimed at educators, focused on fostering equitable groupwork.

^{Image generated by Palak Shah using matching description of small group structure from the study using generative AI tool – DALL.E.2.}