When we have used this sequence, or one similar to it, with Grade 10 students, we get through the entire sequence in 40–60 minutes. That is, depending on the curriculum, we are able to cover the entire factoring quadratics unit in one lesson. How is this possible? The short answer is that when students are not thinking, everything we teach them is difficult. When students are thinking, however, almost anything is possible. When students are thinking, they are learning and understanding—and this transfers to success.
