When we work cooperatively in the classroom, we're practicing an important life skill. There are very few, if any, jobs today that don't require cooperation and collaboration with others. Learning how to effectively communicate, cooperate, and collaborate in teams of diverse student will better prepare you for success as an adult someday. |
In 2016, I conducted a small research study for the capstone of my Masters Degree at Lesley University, which tested the impact of cooperative learning methods vs. traditional independent learning methods on mathematics achievement. To quantify the impact of each method, I analyzed a combination of assessment and observational data collected while the students were engaged in each method.
The research showed that... |
Working cooperatively resulted in more students reaching mastery of effective mathematical strategies. After working cooperatively, 19 out of 20 students were able to demonstrate effective strategies. In fact, many students showed mastery of more than one effective strategy, which indicates deeper understanding of the concepts. In contrast, almost half the class (9 out of 20 students) were not able to demonstrate effective strategies after working independently. This shows that students were far better able to retain and internalize strategies after working cooperatively.
Working cooperatively dramatically increased the use of core mathematics vocabulary (orally and in writing). On average, students correctly used the core vocabulary 224% more often when working cooperatively than when working independently. We know that the more we hear, say, and practice something, the more likely we'll be to retain that information. Our neurons get stronger and stronger every time we use the vocabulary. Working cooperatively led to a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.When asked to justify their ideas/ solutions, over half the class (11 out of 20 students) was unable to provide at least a proficient explanation. (Their explanations tended to be vague or unclear, and lacked detail or got off-topic.) But, after working cooperatively the same number of students (11 out of 20) demonstrated exceptional command of the core vocabulary and used it to craft clear, strong explanations to justify their solutions. In fact, 18 out of 20 students were able to provide explanations at a proficient or higher level. |