Oral Quiz

Idea number 23 under my 75 ideas is "oral quizzes". I used it today for the first time with my grade 10 Global History class ( I teach primarily grade 12). I was very pleased with the results.

What I do with an oral quiz it is a two day affair. During day one, I divide the class into groups and give them a topic to study (this time it dealt with democracy in France, 1850-1914). Each group had ten events during this time period to put in chronological order. They then had to write a brief summary for each explaining what it was and why it was important. They work on this in class and for homework. On day two, I quiz each group as a whole, orally. They must state all ten events, in order, and explain them, to receive credit. They must all contribute and I may or may not select who will answer each question I ask. They receive a group grade.

I do several things to make oral quizzes fun, worthwhile, and fair. Each group receives three lifelines to bail each other out. Meaning if someone cannot answer the question I asked, a group member may help them. Also, if you are not satisfied with your grade, you may come in the next morning and take it again.

My students usually enjoy the change in learning and this time it was no different with my global class. They enjoy the fact that I may rephrase the question or may provide additional clues for understanding. This can never be the case with multiple choice and/or essay-short answer.

I find when you keep things fun and relevent, both the teacher and students win!