wait time
I heard from the Sadkers that did research on gender interaction in the classroom that instructors need to allow at least 10 seconds for a response to a question. I notice when I ask a question and the students do not respond immediately, it is my impatience and discomfort that diminishes the learning interaction. I also know there are students with an introvert style that need more time to process information and formulate a response and that they are often silenced when the extovert students speak up quickly.
Hi John, Thank you for sharing a really profound thought! Best wishes - Susan
Susan Polick
I always try to emphasize to students that we can be comfortable with silence, and that some traditional Native American peoples considered a period of silence after a statement or question as a measure of respect to the speaker. Silence then is not a sign of what you "don't know", but a sign that the dialogue between student and instructor is of value.
I like this because I have very little time with my studentd and I try to hurry myself and them.
Now I am going to take some time to wait for the answer.
I do this also and it works! Responding to what their needs to clarify and reinforce the material is very effective.
Hi Linda - Good question! I usually ask students to write down at least one question. Then, I have each student ask their question. I really don't like to have that question directed to a specific student so it gets thrown out to the class in general. of course if a student has just done a presentation or a demo, then they should be asked questions by their classmates. Best wishes - Susan
This is a good practice. Any suggestions as to how to get other students to pose questions to other students?
Good point Linda, I Sometimes exclude answers from the extroverts in class so others have a chance for example when asking the question I ask for the asnwer by saying. "Anyone other than Joe" this allows more time for others to formulate their answers
The waiting time gives students a chance to answer and think. I sometimes have to work on this because I sometimes find myself answering for the students.
Waiting time is good as you can identify students who are engaged and those who are not. Waiting time = the uncomfortable silence.
