1. Sandi Snyder Math/Computer Teacher Shickley Public School

2. Why Math in the Middle???  To gain a deeper knowledge of mathematics  To gain a deeper knowledge of teaching mathematics  To become a teacher-leader within the school  To help all of my students

3. Action Research Project Cooperative Learning Groups in the Middle School Mathematics Classroom

4.  In what ways will students’ attitudes toward mathematics change by the inclusion of cooperative learning groups?  How does the inclusion of cooperative learning group work affect the mathematics scores of students?  How is written and oral communication in mathematics classes affected by the inclusion of cooperative learning group work?

5. What is the importance?  Mathematics viewed as a difficult subject  Improvement of math scores  Improvement of communication skills

6. What does the research say?  Verbal communication is more prevalent when working with someone  Sharing ideas improves confidence in the subject  A chance to analyze and evaluate mathematical thinking  Communication helps develop reasoning skills  Lower ability students show gains in achievement  Higher ability students do not suffer

7. What did my research show?  Surveys related to attitudes toward math and cooperative groups  Understanding of concepts increased  More time was needed to complete work  Increase in the liking of math  More comfortable asking questions

8.  Students journaled after cooperative learning activities  Nine of eleven students stated that working in a group helped in understanding at least one time.  Positive experience when they chose the groups.

9.  Cooperative learning activities were videotaped for later review  On task with student-chosen groups  Arguing, charge- taker, no interaction with teacher-chosen groups

10.  Cumulative averages were kept  Averages improved  Cooperative activity scores higher than those on individual papers

11.  Comparison of standardized test scores  No change

12.  Oral and written communication  Improvement  More student involvement  Increased vocabulary usage  Still a need for improvement

13. What Next?  Continue to use cooperative groups with the class  Incorporate into the new 8 th grade class  Incorporate writing into all mathematics classes  Participate in the Nebraska Professional Development Series