Overview

Session Focus

Using different instructional groupings during math class provides important opportunities for students to learn with and from each other, and for teachers to observe, conduct formative assessments, and differentiate instruction. This session explores ways to utilize different instructional groupings such as whole class, small group, and pair activities, to further student learning. It also examines the role ability groupings and labels can play on students' access to deep and rigorous mathematics.

When creating partnerships or small groups for math activities, there are many factors teachers must consider.

Read 3rd grade teacher Lucy King’s reflections on creating partnerships and small groups for math class.

What are the benefits that Ms. King believes she and her students receive by using flexible grouping?

Think about the ways that you currently use different instructional groupings to support math learning. What are some of the different factors you consider when planning small group, pair, and whole class activities? Share your thoughts on the Overview Forum.