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Cooperative Learning
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Cooperative Learning Cooperative learning or group Work will be a major part of this Class for several reasons. First, working in groups can greatly improve everyone’s understanding of mathematical concepts. Second, being able to work cooperatively with others is an essential skill in all areas of life, not just math, so it needs to be practiced. Finally, cooperative groups will help us to discover ideas that would have gone unnoticed while working alone. Group work will range from short discussions to bigger projects to quizzes. Most, but not all, group work will be part of your grade for the term. The Purpose of cooperative learning: Students can learn from each other Instructions: working in your cooperative learning groups - Work in your assigned groups. You must remain within your groups throughout the lab.
- Each person in the group should choose one of the following rules:
- Recorder: The recorder writes the final version of the group’s exercise which will be turned in for a grade. The recorder must make sure that each of the group member’s names are on the lab and that no part of the lab is left out
- Reader: Reads the lab to each of the other members of the group. The reader’s job is to read the directions so that everyone is able to follow along
- Checker: This person has the role of making sure that each person understands the lab. As your group works through the lab, it is your responsibility to stop and to make sure that everyone fully understands what is going on. If someone is having trouble, make sure to go back and to explain this part of the lab to that person.
- Time Keeper: This person has the role of keeping track of time and making sure that the group completes the task in the time allotted. This person also has the role of making sure that each student in the group is kept on task
- Mathematician: Besides from the role from the above list, each person has the additional job as a mathematician. This means that you must still participate in doing the rest of the lab.
Cooperative Learning - Grading Policy
Each Marking Period, Ms. Zhao will randomly count 2 cooperative learning activities as quiz grades. Total: 100 Points 50 Points: This grade is based upon there recorder’s sheet will be collected at the end of each cooperative learning activity. 50 Points: GROUP GRADE – The group grade is based upon how well your group members interact with each other. Everyone in group receives the same grade. Therefore, you must cooperate to do well. The group grade is based upon the following criteria: - On task
- Time-efficiency
- Cooperative learning/discussing information
- Work only with group members
- Neatness
- Critical thinking skills
- All group members participating
- Group members showing respect towards each other
- Job performed by each student in the group
Each cooperative learning activity will be followed up with an individual test or quiz. Therefore, each student must take responsibility for each other’s learning as well as his/her own. As a reminder, Keys to success in AP Calculus class: You may need to put more time into Calculus than past math classes. Here are a few suggestions for maximizing your grade: - Try the homework the first night it is assigned.
- If you do not know how to do a homework problem, ask about it in class. Then try it again on your own that night. If you still can’t do it, come see me! There is a BIG difference between watching someone do a problem and doing it yourself.
- Spend 5 to 10 minutes reviewing your notes and/or reading the book each night.
- Come in to go over old tests when necessary.
- Ask questions of your classmates when you are working in groups. It helps them and you. Don’t write something down just because someone tells you to. Make sure you understand it!
- Come to study group for extra help before or after school.
Ms. Zhao
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