Collaborative Problem Solving
Overview
As students solve problems in a group, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking. Comparing and sharing solution methods help students reflect on their problem-solving approaches and expand their Mathematical Flexibility.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how this middle school history teacher uses problem-solving group work to increase learning and engagement for all of his history students. These same processes can be used to help increase Motivation and facilitate Math Communication for collaborative math problem-solving.
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Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Cooperative Learning Strategies
Flexible grouping is a classroom practice that temporarily places students together in given groups to work together, with the purpose of achieving a given learning goal or activity.
As students walk through stations working in small groups, the social and physical nature of the learning supports deeper understanding.
As students work with and process information by discussing, organizing, and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.
When students have meaningful discussions about math and use math vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills needed to master mathematical concepts.
Having students teach their knowledge, skills, and understanding to their classmates strengthens learning.
Students deepen their understanding and gain confidence in their learning when they explain to and receive feedback from others.
Students deepen their math understanding as they use and hear others use specific math language in informal ways.
