If you’re a teacher who uses IXL, you’ve probably wished there was a more exciting way to keep students engaged. Enter IXL Group Jam—a game-changing live classroom feature that transforms independent practice into a shared, energetic experience. Whether you’re trying to boost participation, build classroom energy, or assess learning on the spot, this guide will show you how to use IXL Group Jam to its full potential.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to launch a Group Jam session, how it compares to other tools like Quizizz, and how to link it with your existing IXL routines for maximum learning.
IXL Group Jam is a live, collaborative learning mode within IXL that lets teachers lead whole-class learning sessions in real time. Instead of students working quietly and alone, Group Jam invites everyone to answer the same questions simultaneously while the teacher controls the pacing.
When students respond, teachers get instant feedback. The pace is quick, the energy is high, and the learning is deeply connected to your IXL curriculum. It’s a modern solution for classrooms that want to combine digital learning with real-time instruction.
Unlike traditional IXL assignments, Group Jam in IXL is all about shared focus. Every student works on the same problem at the same time, allowing the teacher to pause, reteach, and celebrate success together.
During the session, you can pause after any question to explain concepts, showcase student answers, or take a quick detour to reteach. Many teachers love this flexibility, especially when using IXL as a teaching tool and not just a homework tracker.
Pro Tip: Make sure your projector or screen is visible to the class. That shared visual makes a huge difference in energy and participation.
When I first started using Group Jam in IXL, I noticed even my most reluctant students stayed focused. They liked seeing how many classmates got it right, and they loved the group momentum. It was a game-changer.
For a real-world example, check out this post where I explain how Group Jam and Quizizz work together in my live lessons.
| Feature | IXL Group Jam | Quizizz |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Standards-based skill practice | General quizzing, often gamified |
| Live Teacher Control | ✅ Full control and pacing | ⚠️ Limited teacher control |
| Analytics | ✅ Integrated with IXL reports | ✅ Game-based reports |
| Competition | 🚫 Less competitive | 🎮 High-energy games |
| Classroom Fit | Daily practice, reteaching moments | Reviews, end-of-unit fun |
Want to see how I used both in the same week? Read this story.
Need help keeping students logged in? Try this tip sheet.
One of the best things about IXL Group Jam is its flexibility across grades.
Use visuals and simplified problems for engagement. Group Jam helps model thinking out loud.
Perfect for math fluency and grammar review. Engagement is strong when students see their group progress.
Try short Group Jam sessions to start or end class. Great for warm-ups or test prep.
I didn’t expect much from IXL Group Jam—but the very first session changed my mind. My students were focused, engaged, and eager to keep going. One even said, “This feels like a game, but it’s school!” That moment stuck with me.
Now, we use Group Jam at least once a week. It’s not just a tool—it’s a strategy I count on.
IXL Group Jam is more than a feature—it’s a classroom strategy. It turns skills practice into a team effort, provides real-time data, and keeps students engaged. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time. Combine it with Quizizz, traditional IXL, and your teaching creativity—and see how your students respond.
Try IXL Group Jam this week and let me know how it goes!
Of course this tool is found at https://ixl.com
