Today's Warm-up Prompt asks students to agree on the most pressing question they want to ask before they take the unit quiz. I expect my students to study for quizzes (although many have never studied for a math test in their lives). If they have done as I have asked, it is reasonable to think that they might have come across a question they could not answer themselves. This warm-up gives them a chance to ask, requires them to prioritize with their teammates...and ensures that all students get the benefit. I do my best to answer all team questions in the time allotted--about 7 minutes. Of course, my explanations have to be brief, but if a student has taken themselves part of the way, this can often clear up last-minute confusion.
Of course, the other purpose of the warm-up is to help students focus on the task at hand. It is fun (not really) to watch the expressions of students who walk in and say, "We're having a quiz today?!"
The lesson opener follows our Team Warm-up routine.
Goal-Setting
Following the warm-up, I display the Lesson Agenda and Learning Targets using the slideshow for today's lesson.
I display the Unit Quiz Instructions as I pass out Part I of the unit quiz. My routine for giving tests and quizzes is covered in the Giving Tests and Quizzes video from my Strategies folder.
As students finish Part I of the quiz (Version A or Version B) and turn it in, I bring them Part II (Version A or Version B).
Individual Size-Up
The lesson close follows our Individual Size-Up Routine. The prompt asks students tell how they feel about the unit quiz. It is always interesting to read what students wrote, and I sometimes find their honest feelings to be useful in identifying those who are struggling (yet have managed to hide it from me).
Homework
I assign homework problems #3-5 from Homework Set 1 for the next unit. (Problems #1 and #2 are the portfolio problems for the unit.) Following the unit quiz--and before new material has been covered in the next unit--is when I try to assign problems for review.