To demonstrate the power of groups in brainstorming information and contributing to the class as a whole. To help motivate students by identifying reasons they have for studying the subject matter. To attach real life significance to the subject as observed by students. To foster group interdependence and coherence using a non-content based subject. This question may be applied to any subject matter or course.
Students use the following worksheet to create their own list of reasons for studying math.
This is done as a homework assignment. Each group expected to develop a consensus list by discussing each members contribution to determine if it belongs on the group list. A plenary discussion concludes the exercise by again using a Round-Robin method where each group contributes one item from their group list going around the class until all groups have contributed all their items, without duplicating items. This assignment will be done in three parts. I would like you to develop a list of reasons why you feel it is necessary or important to study math.