Using Kagan Strategies in the Mathematics Classroom

Gwenyth Kieser and Elaine Teyner-Smith

Simultaneous Round TableTeams of four1. Teacher chooses problems.2. All four students respond simultaneously.3. When students are done with the problem,

they place their pencils on the desk.4. Students pass papers clockwise.5. Students check answer, initial, and coach

if necessary. 6. Students continue adding to what is

already completed.7. Repeat.

Simultaneous Round TableTweek: Have students come to a consensus before

rotating papers. (I don’t give the answer) PowerPoint presentation. I control the

pace. Going over the answers at the end of the

activity seems to ensure students are doing the problems correctly Groups can be asked to put a problem on the

board for the other groups to use as an answer key

Think – Pair - Share Split rows so that every two rows of

students are paired together. Every other row is your “A” group The rest of the rows are group “B”

Give “A” 30 sec. to 1 min. to explain lesson to their “B” partner

Call Time Give “B” students 30 sec. to add

comments

Think – Pair - Share Works well for students to re-state what

they just took notes on Allows them to notice if they are missing

any information or have questions

Shoulder partners Students form groups of two. Each student works independently on a problem from the board. When finished, students turn to their “shoulder partner”, and state the answer.

Shoulder Partners Works well when going over Guided

Practice problems Student conversations will show

misconceptions or understanding

Mix – N - Match Each student receives an index card Students complete the problem on the

card (if required) Do not let them write on the index cards

Students then walk around the room and find their match

When matches are made, they show the teacher for confirmation

Students should then return to their seats until the activity is completed.

Mix – N - Match Sometimes activities will ask students to

find 2 other people Gets the students up and moving around

without taking too much classroom time Easy to spot students who are struggling

with concept Allows other students to provide assistance

Sage and Scribe Students use their “A” and “B” partners One group is the “Sage”

They do all the talking Tell partner what to write and how to solve a problem They are not allowed to write anything

The other is the “Scribe” May not speak Write only (and exactly) what their partner tells them

Complete problem, discuss answer, switch roles

Round AboutStudents form groups of two. Students go around the room and answer various questions that are posted on the wall. Once they answer that particular question, they look for the answer on another piece of paper that is posted somewhere around the classroom.From there, they will find the next question to answer.This continues until all questions are answered and students should finish at the problem where they started. Works well as a chapter review, the day before the test.