Waiting 5 Seconds
When I first began teaching I found it very difficult to wait the 5 seconds after asking a question. Sometimes it still seems like a lifetime when I am waiting for a student to volunteer to answer a question. Each class is different, but it seems to be getting easier with time.
Hi Kerry...I am curious about this joke that you make. I too find it difficult to wait 5 seconds. I have been teaching for 3 years, and this is still not in my confort zone. I am quick to move on to another student if they hesitate. I try, but cannot incorporate this practice into my teaching. Can you give me an idea for a joke to "break the ice"
I agree. The 5 second pause can feel more like 5 minutes. However, I find it helpful to make a joke about the silent pause. It tends to get the class to relax, refocus on the lecture, and ask/answer questions.
Since I began using the 5 second technique in my classes, participation and discussion has increased dramatically.
The rule is very important buy even though acknowledged as such it is still very difficult to stick to it. I'm not sure what it is. Sometimes it's impatience, sometimes a sense that the student won't be answering even if given 100 seconds, sometimes to 'save' the student, etc..The key though is consistency and that's the point of seeing it as a rule.
I will try to use pauses with the questions that come up during clinical pre and post-conferences. I guess that I am nervous so I want to fill the time up with my answer instead of waiting for a student to give a response to another student's question.
I am fairly new at this. The advice of pauses seems like good advice.
Dale Vaughn
Waiting for a response is so hard especially when you know exactly what you want to hear. One thing I have found by waiting is the different take students have on what was said. They may approach it at an entirely different angle. They still go from point A to point B but some go all around the world to get there. If I didn't wait they wouldn't speak up and I would never hear their interesting logic.
The five second pause also is a good way to allow students who may not normally respond to participate. Usually, I have a few students who answer as soon as the question is asked. The pause has resulted in opportunities for some more contemplative students to offer their ideas as well.
Greetings Steven!
You are absolutely correct, the 5 second rule gives every student in the class the opportunity to consider the question and engage in the discussion.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I couldn't agree with Mr. Loiacono more. By allowing 5 seconds it gives the students time to think before they answer and it allows them to participate as both individuals and as a group in the answer(s).
That's some great insight Mr. Loiacono!!!
I find the 5 seconds rule is great cause it gives all the students to think anout the topic or question. Instead of just calling on one student for the answer. By using the 5 second method many student can assist in the answer in which we can have a group discussion on the topic
Hi Hilary!
I think silence is a most difficult thing for any instructor since we are all helpers. So we have to remind ourselves that that students must be given the opportunity to respond in such a way that they learn. You are correct - the more we practice our technique - the better we get at silence - ssshhhhhhh!
Good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
