Whiteboards Up
At a Glance
- Time: 2-3 minutes
- Prep: Minimal (individual whiteboards or paper)
- Group: Individual
- Setting: Any
- Subjects: Math, Science, Language, Universal
- Energy: Medium
Purpose
Enable simultaneous visual assessment of all students' work by having everyone solve a problem, write an answer, or draw a response on individual whiteboards, then hold them up together for instant teacher scan of understanding patterns.
How It Works
- Pose question/problem (30 sec) - Display problem or question; students work individually on whiteboards
- Think and write (1-2 min) - Students solve/answer; teacher circulates briefly
- Boards up! (30 sec) - "On 3, boards up! 1, 2, 3!" Teacher scans all responses simultaneously
What to Say
Opening: "Everyone grab a whiteboard. Solve for X: 3x + 5 = 20. Show your work. You have 90 seconds... go!"
During: "Keep working... 30 seconds left... Almost done... Time! Boards up high where I can see them!"
Closing: [Scans room] "I see 22 correct answers, 5 minor errors, 3 major misunderstandings. Let's address the pattern I'm seeing with the subtraction step..."
Why It Works
All students must produce a response—no hiding or opting out. Teacher sees 100% of class answers simultaneously, revealing patterns invisible in individual calling. Immediate feedback loop allows real-time instructional pivots.
Research Connection: Response cards increase active student responding and improve achievement (Randolph, 2007; Cavanaugh et al., 1996).
Teacher Tip
Use color-coding: "Write your answer in black. Circle it in green if you're confident, yellow if unsure, red if you guessed." Instant confidence + correctness data.
Variations
Materials: Mini whiteboards, laminated paper sleeves, blank paper held up, tablets/devices • Prompts: Math problems, vocabulary definitions, quick sketches, true/false statements, multiple-choice letter • Ages: K-5: Draw pictures or write single words; 6-12: Short answers or calculations; College: Quick proofs or conceptual diagrams
Online
Digital whiteboard tools (Zoom whiteboard, Google Jamboard). Or "Write answer on paper, hold to camera." Use gallery view to scan all at once.
Troubleshooting
Takes too long: "You have 60 seconds—this is quick-check, not perfect work. Fast thinking!"
Extension
Pair-compare: Before holding up, students compare boards with neighbor, discuss differences, revise if needed. Peer teaching happens before teacher reveals answer.
Related: Quick Polling, Choral Response