I tried out my own little variation of the cold-calling questioning technique, and it was almost like I was no longer the teacher calling on them, but fate's representative who has finally summoned the student to do his duty.
I wrote each of my students' names on tickets (our little reward system that has surprisingly gone in favor of our chair of knowledge over the candy), placed them in a cup, and drew them at random. I said, "this ticket has your name all over it
if you can correctly answer number ___."
Of course I talk a big game about being a big meanie to my students, but I think we've built a good enough rapport that they know as long as they're legitimately trying, I'll make sure they're taken care of (knock on wood!). They might not have given me exactly what I was looking for as far as an answer is concerned, but they gave me the effort on each of the problems. Most even did what I wanted and got it right, but didn't tell me the answer just how I like it. Kind of like in Jeopardy if you just shout out "Sean Connery" instead of "who is Sean Connery." (I'll take the rapist for $200. I'm sorry, Mr. Connery, that's "therapist." Not "the rapist." Anyone? Anyone?).
I definitely like the method of cold calling, but I don't know that I want to use it as a ticket reward for my students come the actual school year. I feel like tickets should be rewards for going above and beyond what's expected or what you should be able to do. I had just taught them how to get the answer to the questions they answered, so they SHOULD know the answer. Why should I reward someone for doing what they're supposed to be doing unless they do an absolutely exceptional job at it? Do architects get bonuses for drawing up plans? No, not unless they've done an immaculate job. Do doctors get a bonus for a successful surgery? No, that's what they're SUPPOSED to do (although not nearly as likely to happen should a Democrat be elected and try and implement the terrible (and largely socialist) idea of nationalized healthcare). I'm not entirely decided on this issue, but that's my opinion for now. I might have different insights after I've been in Hollandale for a couple months!