| How Does Cooperative Learning Accomplish These NCTM Goals? |
| The NCTM challenges all teachers to begin on the journey of reform mathematics. Through reform mathematics, students will be ready to adapt to the changes in the workplace that "increasingly demand teamwork, collaboration, and communication" (NCTM 348). Students will be prepared for college-level mathematics courses that are "increasingly emphasizing the ability to convey ideas clearly both orally and in writing. Students will be enabled to -"Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication" (NCTM 348). -"Communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others" (NCTM 348). -"Analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others" (NCTM 348). -"Use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely" (NCTM 348). Reform mathematics also strives for equity in mathematics. "The vision of equity in mathematics education challenges a pervasive societal belief in North America that only some students are capable of learning mathematics" (NCTM 12). In order to achieve this goal, all students must be able to learn mathematics. Thus, reform mathematics provides "high expectations and worthwhile opporunities for all" (NCTM 12). This requires teachers to accomodate differences and help everyone of all differing abilities (NCTM 13). One could say, "How does this reform mathematics accomplish all of this?" or "What does reform mathematics do differently?" One thing that reform mathematics includes that helps to accomplish these goals is the use of cooperative learning. By placing students in small, heterogeneous groups we are providing them the opportunities to develop the skills necessary to work in collaborative groups. Students develop the skills of teamwork, collaboration, and communication that are increasingly in demand in the workplace (NCTM 348). |