Wait time
I ask a lot of questions during class to keep students involved. However, I know that sometimes I don't use appropriate wait time. I am going to try and pay more attention as to how long I wait for a student’s response before I go to the next student or answer ot myself. I thought this module had some helpful tips.
I agree with you that I need to work on my wait time. Usually, I attempt to give students the opportunity to answer questions. Most of them look down and begin flipping pages in their books. I gently remind them just because they are looking down, it doesn't mean that I can't see them. They often laugh and loosen up, which enables them to attempt to answer. If someone doesn't respond I choose the students who usually answer and ask others to re-state what the previous person just stated. It seems to help, somewhat!
Renee,
I too find that I don't give the students enough time to porcess and respond. I guess it 's because we are so eager to get the message across.
Patience is a virtue, especially when you have so much info to cram into a single class. But one way to increase "wait time" is by giving them a few moments to look through their source material to find the answer. This also gives everyone a chance to flex their own "learning style" as a student
when the students don't reply, i walk around to each one and have them give me some kind of an answer...even if it's an "i don't know". when the students realize i am going to ask every one of them the same question, they go on full alert and dig deep to find some kind of a reply...i then go back to the "i don't know" and let them have another chance at a response. this also gives the students fair warning that no gets out of class w/out major participation. you would be suprised at who fast things have changed attitude-wise by the 2-3rd week. they also realize i am there to teach them, not to make fun of their mistakes.
if feel the same. but also i feel like it is an etunaty wating for them to anwser the quistion that you give them.
i can surely see where a lot of instructors, including myself, overlook the importance of wait time. i will work on improving this at once.
It comes handy when you have more than one instructor in the class, like we sometimes do in the kitchens to redirect the question to your fellow instructor. Hopefully you don't stump them as well and they can provide some interaction and get the students to feel comfortable answering questions.
Judy, and Renee,
The only problem with "Wait Time" is sometimes we can be waiting all class period before someone answers. But, nonetheless, I always utilize this method, and if I do not get the corect response I make them look it up.
Renee,
I also found the information here beneficial since this is an area in which I need improvement -wait time.
