At InsightMath, we value teacher autonomy and professional judgment. Because every class is different, we do not generally prescribe exactly how or when students should be grouped during lesson activities. Instead, we encourage teachers to make grouping decisions based on their students’ needs, classroom dynamics, and learning goals.
That said, grouping matters. Students learn deeply when they have opportunities to share strategies, explain thinking, and collaborate.
Why Thoughtful Grouping Matters
Builds collaboration & community
Ensures all students have a voice
Encourages multiple strategies and perspectives
Strengthens understanding through peer explanations
Why don't we prescribe when and how to group students?
Teacher Agency: You know your students best—what motivates them, where they struggle, and how they interact.
Classroom Contexts Differ: Class size, student dynamics, and time constraints can change what grouping works best.
Flexibility Promotes Equity: Allowing you to adapt grouping ensures all students have access to meaningful participation.
Note that there are some specific activities within InsightMath that require student groups such as playing a game or sharing a specific material.
What to Consider When Grouping
When planning groups, ask yourself:
Purpose of the Activity: Is the goal to generate multiple strategies? Practice fluency? Build confidence?
Student Needs: Who benefits from peer modeling? Who needs more voice and space to share?
Balance of Strengths: How can you group so that every student has something valuable to contribute?
Equity & Access: How will you ensure that all students—regardless of language, background, or prior achievement—can engage meaningfully?
Grouping Strategies to Try
Pairs (2 students)
Quick sharing (Turn-and-Talk)
Great for processing ideas before whole-group discussion
Trios / Small Groups (3–4 students)
Rich conversations and strategy comparison
Allows quieter voices to be heard
Mixed-Readiness Groups
Promotes peer learning and exposure to new strategies
Similar-Readiness Groups
Provides targeted support or extension opportunities
Flexible & Rotating Groups
Keeps dynamics fresh and inclusive
Student Choice (sometimes)
Builds ownership and motivation
Reinforcing the Practice of Grouping
Grouping is not just a classroom management move—it’s a learning design decision. Intentional grouping:
Helps students articulate and refine their thinking
Provides opportunities for peer-to-peer learning
Ensures all students participate, not just the most vocal
Builds a collaborative classroom culture
Tips for Success
Keep groups fluid—don’t always group the same way.
Consider assigning or rotating roles (e.g., recorder, explainer, questioner) to ensure equal participation.
Listen for student talk: rich collaboration signals effective grouping.
Reflect after the activity: Did this grouping structure help meet the instructional goal?
Remember: While InsightMath does not typically prescribe grouping structures, we strongly encourage teachers to make intentional grouping decisions in every lesson to maximize student engagement and learning.