Ramp-Up students develop become better learners because the extended workshop focuses their work and keeps the emphasis of all activity squarely on the mathematics. The format is consistent, so students know what to do and how to do it at all times, yet it is also flexible enough that teachers can expand or contract the lesson structure as they see fit. The routines and learning rituals help to reduce management issues, so teachers are free to guide conversations, ask questions, model problem solving, gently leading students in one direction or correcting them in another. In Ramp-Up workshops, teachers have an opportunity to observe the totality of the learning community, and this, in turn, provides an opportunity to differentiate instruction for specific individuals or small groups.

Three basic types of lessons organize the material: regular lessons; Putting it Together lessons; and Putting Mathematics to Work lessons. In addition, each unit may have one or more Progress Lessons that focus entirely on review.

Types of Lessons

• Regular: These lessons begin with an Opening and move through the usual Extended Workshop format.
• Putting it Together Lessons: These lessons review or summarize material; they include almost everything the students’ have learned up to that point in a unit.
• Putting Mathematics to Work Lessons: These lessons focus on the application of concepts in a way that extend s what they have been doing thus far in class.
• Progress Check Lesson: These lessons focus entirely on review, and may vary somewhat in format from regular lessons. Lessons and homework typically involve work that is more reflective in nature.
• Learning from the Progress Check Lesson: These lessons help students to evaluate their progress and determine where they need more assistance. Special problems are assigned during Work Time that focus on different areas of weakness.

Daily Workshop Format

• Students gather everyday as a group for a 5-10 min. Opening, at which time the teacher introduces any new content and makes assignments. Student Editions include a clear goal statement.
• The 40 min. Work Time problems are clearly set off in a tabbed section and, within that, Preparing for Closing problems are also labeled.
• The 15-20 min. Closing segment of the workshop does not receive a headline in the Student Edition (nor does the Opening) because the content is presented by the teacher and the student presenters.
• During an Extended Period or as Extra Help:
  
  • The 5 min. Skills problems appear highlighted in the Student Editions, and provide about 5-7 minutes of practice.
  • The 15-20 min. Review and Consolidation includes a number of problems at different levels of.
• Homework: These problems appear in the Students Editions at the end of each lesson. They are meant to be completed independently at home, and they should take no more than 20-25 minutes to complete.