We describe a formative assessment approach called whole-class think alouds, which foster evidence-based instructional practices and promote the goal of assessment to promote learning. They allow students to collaborate and orally communicate their problem solving.

Team-Based Learning (TBL) is a cooperative learning strategy blending elements of flipped learning, inquiry-based learning, and problem-based learning. Although used quite frequently in other disciplines, use of this strategy in mathematics has been limited. In this article, we describe how TBL can be implemented in math courses with adherence to…

This task structure both engages students in serious, grade-level appropriate mathematical work and allows the teacher to do the intentional and purposeful work of building a collaborative classroom culture. We highlight possibilities for adapting this task structure to teach different mathematics content across grade levels 3-5.

With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM), many teachers are changing their classroom structure from teacher-directed to student-centered. When the author began designing and using problem-based tasks she saw a drastic improvement in student engagement and problem-solving skills. The author describes the Cake…

Within the "Australian Curriculum: Mathematics" the Understanding proficiency strand states, "Students build understanding when they connect related ideas, when they represent concepts in different ways, when they identify commonalities and differences between aspects of content, when they describe their thinking mathematically and…

Discusses cooperative learning and describes a method of implementing a cooperative-learning setting called Exchange of Knowledge. Contains 28 references. (ASK)

Presents a student description of the Cape of Good Hope project in which pairs of students designed capes and cloaks out of garbage bags for a fashion show. (ASK)

Describes an elementary arithmetic project that involves reading, writing, and counting skills. Students collaboratively create a tooth-shaped book designed to strengthen their counting skills as they celebrate losing baby teeth. The article also includes other activities to further extend the project. (SM)

Presents detailed information about the Cape of Good Hope project in which pairs of students designed capes and cloaks out of the garbage bags for a fashion show. Also describes student objectives, unit goals, group activities, products required, and the final show and presentation. (ASK)

Shares students' experiences with working geometrical proofs in cooperative groups. Presents an example of week-long group take-home test. (ASK)

This CD-ROM is a teacher resource for standards-based Algebra 1 in the middle and secondary grades. There are three components on the CD including mathematical content, instructional strategies, and assessment. Components include: (1) video clips of Algebra 1 students; (2) commentaries about each video clip; (3) frequently asked questions and…

Cooperative learning has gone from an innovative teaching strategy practiced by only a few creative and courageous teachers to a strategy important to many who teach mathematics. Research suggests that learning is a social process and that cooperative learning activities are essential if students are to be able to construct their own knowledge.…

Presents a plan involving routine classroom tasks to integrate mathematics with cooperative learning teams in a second-grade class. Explains the process and describes some of the ways in which the activities are used to provide an opportunity for the team and the student to apply mathematics. Concludes that cooperative learning has many merits.…

Introduces a technique for developing tasks suitable for group investigation where students work from sets of numerical examples toward making generalizations. (ASK)

Discusses the place of cooperative learning in education and presents mathematics activities for cooperative groups. Concludes with the benefits of using scored discussions in mathematics classrooms. Contains 16 references. (ASK)