5 problems to get students warmed up. Review two or three homework problems. Students solve problems on the board. Explanation of new topic , with examples on the board and interaction with class. Students work problems in class with coaches assistance.
Homework is handed out when students successfully complete the in-class exercise.
Notice that only 10 minutes of the hour are devoted to chalkboard lecture. For the largest part of the hour students are actively working independently or in groups. One of the main ways our program has improved over the years is to include more hands-on problem solving and less lecture. We have found that this format achieves better results. Students are organized into teams of three or four for these practice competitions.