ABSTRACT
Collaborative problem solving is a great way to get students talking about word problems. This chapter describes about some of the ways, including math literature circles as a much-needed variation of group problem solving. The goal of math literature circles is to provide an enthusiastic, engaging, student-driven space for conversation that encourages deep thinking about math. The belief is that as students make sense of math together, the math begins to make more and more sense to the students. Students should be encouraged to think together and discuss each others approaches. They should reason about what is being said and if it makes sense and if there are other ways that might be more efficient. When students are working together, it is important to scaffold their work, giving them roles and templates so that the efforts are organized and productive.
