January 2025 Protocol of the Month: Buzzer Beater

Let's thank Teach for America's article called "9 Math Games for the Classroom" that incorporates review and time management, essential skills for all students. This awesome protocol is geared toward math review but can be modified for any subject.  Be intentional and deliberate by announcing that the buzzer beater practice sessions will assist them in finishing timed tests one hundred percent! 

BUZZER BEATER (Feedback, Discussion) 
 
Description: Students that face timed tests can leave points behind if they run out of time and do not finish. The Buzzer Beater activity combines authentic review work with time management practice. 
 
Application: The Buzzer Beater can be used in any subject area, especially math, that have traditional timed tests. 
 
Process: Prior to class, create a series of numbered math problems (one problem for each student in the group) that require about the same amount of time to complete.  Make an index card for each problem and duplicate creating sets for each group; consider differentiating problems if needed.  With those problems in mind, develop a pre-made numbered answer sheet with spaces for students to solve and show work. On class day, divide students into two equal groups and arrange desks into two ovals so that students can pass work easily within their groups. Hand-out sheets and index cards, one per student.  Remind students to solve the problem on the answer sheet that corresponds to the index card number. Before activity begins, tell students how much time they have to solve each problem. Set timer but give students a one-minute verbal warning as time ends.  Instruct students that at the buzzer they must stop work and pass their card to the next person and repeat the process until all problems have been attempted. At the conclusion of the activity, foster discussions about how to complete answers within the time limit, to work through time pressure anxieties, and to establish a goal to improve the number of problems attempted.   Go over lessons learned from activity before administering a timed test and at conclusion elicit perspectives on the experience as a whole.  
 
References or for more information:
Mason, E. 2015. (Teach for America Editorial Team) 9 Math Games for the Classroom https://www.teachforamerica.org/