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Learning about Area, Perimeter, and Fractions, with and from Peers


When students work in small groups they are given the opportunity to communicate with their peers about mathematics. Small groups provide a forum in which students can ask questions, discuss ideas, make mistakes, learn to listen to others' ideas, and offer constructive criticism. A small group environment where students feel secure asking questions and responding to their peers' ideas may, in turn, support similar communication patterns in whole group situations.

This Reflection activity contains two video clips. Each clip shows students working in groups in mathematics classes. Focusing and reflection questions are provided for each video clip to assist you as you view these students who are learning with and from their peers.

 

Perimeters and Areas

In the following video clip the students use tiles to explore what happens to the perimeter of a shape when the area is increased. As you watch the video, consider how the teacher structures the activity and then how the students use communication to learn with and from their peers.

QuickTime required for viewing this video clip


Running Time: 64 seconds; File Size: 1.3 M

 

Reflection Questions

  • If you were teaching the lesson, how might you structure the activity to foster peer communication and learning?
  • How might your students learn from each other in a similar small group situation?
  • What other aspects of small group work become important in fostering peer interaction?

 

Communicating About Division

The video episode in this clip shows a different classroom than in the last clip, but the situation is similar -- students are also working in small groups. In this small group the students are discussing how to divide 6 objects among 4 people. While you are watching, notice how the group members listen to each other.

Focus Questions

  • What are the characteristics of a classroom environment that would support this type of interaction between students?
  • As a teacher, what can you do to encourage your students to learn with and from their peers in this manner?

 

QuickTime required for viewing this video clip


Running Time: 23 seconds; File Size: 500 K

 

Reflection Questions

  • Return to the video and watch it again. This time, pay close attention to the mathematical explanation the student is giving. Is it mathematically correct?
  • Some people would argue that a "danger" of letting students work in groups is that "wrong" mathematics is learned. What argument would you make about this subject? How would you support your argument?

 

References

Burns, M. (1994). Mathematics for Middle School: Grades 6-8, Part 1 [Video]. Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions. Used by permission. Copyright © Marilyn Burns. All rights reserved.

Burns, M. (1994). Mathematics: What Are You Teaching My Child? [Video]. Sausalito, CA: Math Solutions. Used by permission. Copyright © Marilyn Burns. All rights reserved.

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