Cooperative grouping allows students to work together, and feel successful during a math workshop. Each student in the group has a role in solving problems and creating projects. It offers the struggling student an opportunity to feel successful as he/she contributes to the group. It gives the higher-level student a chance to take on the role of mentor and guide.
Giving students multiple opportunities to work together fosters a community of thinkers and learners. By varying the group members, children have a chance to work with a variety of their classmates.
One way to insure flexible groups is to create a system for rotating partnerships and groups. One effective system is creating Clock Partners. Cut out a clock face for each student with only the 12, 3, 6, and 9 printed. Under each number assign a different child to be a partner for a particular student. When grouping, you can call students together based on a partner you want them to work with. For example, say "Today I would like everyone to work with their six o’clock partner." This gives the teacher a system for maintaining flexible groups in the class. Also use Clock Partners to help with grouping in other subject areas. The key is to allow time for group work throughout the day.
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