Speed dating for maths

So we are getting to that time of the year with exam classes. There are only so many times you can do the same type of maths problem - we need to liven it up a bit! This lesson works for any level and any year but is very good for stressed out exam classes.

First you need to find some short questions, part (a)'s of the exam paper are ideal. Pick a topic you want the students to revise. Find enough questions to match the class in pairs - they should be similar questions.

Now pair everyone up - set the tables up so they are long and everyone is facing each other. Give each pair 1 to 2 minutes max. Of the pair one person explains the problem/how to solve it in their own words. The other is the "learner", encourage these to ask questions and even correct the "teacher". We learn best from others mistakes!

Use a stop watch - time is pressure! After the time is up make everyone get up and swap partners. "learners" should become "teachers" and visa-versa. Repeat the exercise at least 4 times.