1. Flipped Instruction Description

Challenges

• 
  I often find it’s hard to get groups of 6, so sometimes one student has to use two hats.
  

Example

1. 
   Introduce a contentious topic with a video or reading.
   
2. 
   Distribute hats to the students.
   
3. 
   Have students spend some time brainstorming what they would say on the issue from their perspective. If you have a large class, group all the white hats together, red hats together, etc. to work in groups for this part.
   
4. 
   Then rearrange students into groups where there is one colored hat per group (groups of 6 is ideal, or 5 with one person taking the role of blue hat as well).
   
5. 
   At the end of the class, have a whole group discussion summing up our points and list the details of the topic on the white board. Hopefully students will see that the issue is a very complex one!
   

26. Pop Quiz
Definition
A pop quiz is a short test that takes place with no prior warning. The quiz can be formative or summative. Link the quiz to rewards to keep students motivated to do well and be prepared at any moment.
Benefits

• 
  Can be motivating for students who enjoy the challenge of competing with themselves or others.
  
• 
  Keeps students on their toes which encourages ongoing review and homework on the part of the students.
  

Challenges

• 
  May worry some students who are unprepared.
  

27. Democratic Vote
Definition
Taking a democratic vote is a progressive education strategy that attempts to empower students in the classroom. Have students vote on what or how they will learn within the classroom. This can be done at a small scale in a lesson plan by asking students to vote on how a lesson will progress, for example.
Benefits

• 
  Can empower students, giving them a sense of ownership over the classroom.
  
• 
  Can build trust and rapport between the students and the teacher.
  
• 
  Helps the teacher take the pulse of the class and understand what they want and need.
  

Challenges

• 
  Teachers may lose their power and control over the class if they overuse this approach.
  
• 
  Just because the majority supports something, it doesn’t mean it’s best. A small group of students may fall behind and have their voices drowned out by the majority.