Time Warp

Monday, February 10, 2014
your curly co-author, Suzanne

This is totally crazy, but somehow we only have only 13 'A' days until STAAR testing.  But who's counting?!  Because of this time warp, we decided to do a blogging blitz on review strategies that your students will buy into.  

But first, a few rules for review:
Rule 1: There's no new in review.
Rule 2: You can't bore kids into learning.

Today, we tackle the ever engaging multiple choice section...with no kill and drill.  Yes, it's possible.  

First, have students read and work with a text of your choosing.  It can be a released item or one in your textbook.  They should have independent copies so that they can annotate and mark their evidence.  Instead of copying the boring, old multiple choice questions, type up each question and accompanying answer choices on a Power Point slide. (Side note: sometimes I will give them only the question stem and they write in their own answer.  Then they match up their answer with the MC options.)

To answer these questions, have students use Bam Boards.  The teacher reads through the question and answer choices.  Allow a minute (or slightly shorter) of think time.  With 10 seconds or so left, prompt students to choose an answer.  The timer goes off and BAM!- they reveal their answers.  This provides instant feedback to both you and the student.  I've noticed that their response accuracy improves dramatically after the first round.  Note: it is important to give students time to work with the question prior to using the Bam Boards.

Another option involves student groups and your new favorite "foldable". Take a Post-it and tear it into four pieces.  Boom!  Done.  I guess that'd technically be a tearable.  We're probably on to something here!  Students will label each piece A, B, C and D.  Read the question and choices from the slide.  Give students a minute of think time.  All students then put down their piece to show their answer when the timer goes off.  Working in groups allows for great discussion when all answers do not match up.  

A third option would be to take the multiple choice questions and make them into a Socrative quiz.  This free website and app allows you to create your own online quizzes and games.  The best part- it emails you a spreadsheet with student scores that can be copied into your gradebook.  Could you ask for a better perk?  

Check back tomorrow for a review strategy that has students looking closely a text details to build inferences and themes.  It is definitely a winner!

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