FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

What procedure should a middle school teacher follow at the beginning of class?

1. Review the previous lesson

2. Assign a "Do Now" activity already written on the board

3. Provide an overview of the day's objectives

4. Facilitate a group discussion about expectations

The correct answer is: Assign a "Do Now" activity already written on the board

Assigning a "Do Now" activity that is already written on the board is an effective practice at the beginning of class as it helps to immediately engage students upon entering the classroom. This strategy serves multiple purposes. It creates a structured start to the lesson, allowing students to settle in and focus their attention right away. Having a clear task readily available encourages students to begin working independently, which is crucial in maintaining classroom management and maximizing instructional time. This method also allows the teacher to check in with students individually as they arrive. By reviewing their work, the teacher can gauge student understanding and readiness to engage with the day's lesson. Additionally, "Do Now" activities can serve to warm up the students' cognitive skills or review previously learned material, which further reinforces learning and prepares them for more complex concepts to be discussed later in the class. Thus, this practice cultivates a productive learning environment from the very start.