Last week in math class, I learned strategies for creating group math lessons that engage students and are inquiry focused. Since so much of the math in my main placement classroom seems to be whole class direct instruction, it's refreshing to see ways that math concepts can be taught -- and taught intuitively -- without being stultifyingly boring. The group work we did in class the last two Mondays using the online statistics generator was fun, interesting, and engaging. It didn't really feel like we were learning, but we were using math skills such as statistical analysis and data graphing.
My ongoing question about group work seems to be how to best implement group lessons. Exactly how much groundwork will be required to familiarize my students with group roles? With a pacing guide, will I have that time? Will students in my groups really be responsible for the learning of everyone on his team?
I believe the implications for classroom practice are that group inquiry lessons, if implemented thoughtfully, can greatly enhance our math curriculum. Using absorbing, thought-provoking lessons like the one we experienced in our class the last two weeks can be an effective alternative to more "traditional" methods.
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