Quiz Lab

See how it works

At a glance

Time in class

10 minutes

Prep

None

Materials

One index card per student

Grouping

Pairs that keep changing

Use it when

Review before a quiz, or end of a unit

Why it works

Answering questions from memory (practice testing) is one of the most effective ways to learn. Writing a good question is its own review, and swapping cards means each student answers many questions in a few minutes. You don’t have to write any of them.

1. Write3 minutes“Write one question from this unit on the front of your card and the answer on the back.”Check a few for accuracy.
2. Stand up, hand up, pair up10 secondsStudents find a partner with a raised hand.
3. Quiz30 secondsPartner A reads the question. Partner B answers. A coaches or gives a hint if needed, then shows the answer.
4. Quiz back30 secondsSwitch roles.
5. Trade5 seconds“Trade cards! Hand up, find a new partner.”
6. Repeat5 minutesStudents now quiz with the card they just received.

See it in action

Watch out for

• Wrong answers on cards: scan cards as students write; fix mistakes before trading.
• Chatting instead of quizzing: keep the trade rhythm fast.
• Too-easy questions: require “why” or “how” questions in round two.

Level up

• The question that stumps the most partners wins.
• Students write a harder card for round two.

Make it work for everyone

• Multilingual learners: allow a picture on the card.
• IEP and 504 supports: provide pre-written cards.
• Early finishers: write a second card.

Tech option

None needed. Moving around is part of the point.

Resources