Joey Offer, Ph.D Julie Kostka

Your Experience In your groups… Share any collaborative activity experience you have had, positive or negative. What are you hoping to learn from this session?

Basic Math at ACC Fall 2012/Spring 2013 Activities Piloted Fall traditional sections 7 collaborative learning sections

Math PLUS at ACC Small classes (max 18) Collaborative Learning Classes Meet in classroom twice a week, 80 minutes each Meet in lab after class, 55 minutes each

Math PLUS at ACC Collaborative Activities Promote exploration and/or discovery Challenge students to struggle, disagree, and discuss Incorporate guided learning – different from problem sets

Our Experience Students report that they… like mathematics more feel more confident enjoy sharing ideas form informal cohorts would recommend to a friend (90%!)

Faculty and Student Concerns Students work at different rates Students have different abilities Group members cause confusion Some students resist group work

Addressing Concerns Most issues are present in any classroom Select the right activity Create a community of learners (tone) Balance multiple instructional techniques

Addressing Concerns Different student ability / speed Assign roles in groups Include “challenge” problems Re-group students for discussion Encourage faster groups / students to assist others

Addressing Concerns Confusion in groups It’s ok! Gently guide down a different path Take a break and provide hints to class Save time for wrap-up Be flexible with goals for activity

Addressing Concerns Students who resist Maintain commitment as instructor Remind students of multiple approaches Explain motivation for collaboration

Resources MATD matd-0332/ matd-0332/ Math PLUS – mathplus/home mathplus/home Joey Offer, Ph.D., Julie Kostka,