Wait time
I am happy to receive instruction regarding wait times; including all learners, not only those I assume will know the answers. I try to be cautious not to embarrass any student when questioning. Sometimes, I will announce first that my upcoming question is a difficult one, and I won't find fault or be disappointed if it goes unanswered. I always strive to keep my learning environment a safe one.
Benjamin,
When I have shy students, I reach out to them outside of class, like before, after, or on breaks. I chat about general topics and let them know that I would like them to participate more in classes.
Judy Mohammed
I love that approach as well. I refuse to ever ask a question to a specific student for fear of alienating them in the class. Rather, I ask questions of differing levels to try and engage different students every time. I do, however, pick and choose which students I allow to respond, in order to ensure that every student with a solution eventually is able to present.
Kathy,
Patience, what a virtue. As teachers we can all appreciate the importance of this virtue as we impart knowledge.
Judy Mohammed
As instructors we sometimes feel that there is never enough time to cover the material in as much we rush! I have found that if you use longer wait times the answers given are more often correct than incorrect and in saying this saves more time for lectures...
Peggy,
Wait time relaly does work and it allows the students to know that you really want to listen to their ideas. I often put it back in their ballpark and many times they are amazed to know that they have soem of the answers.
Judy Mohammed
I do it as well. One of my favorite professors told me to always serve the ball back to them so it is in their court. I find if I wait when asking an open-ended question, they volunteer more information. I've also incorporated this into my personal life, but that's another discussion area completely!
Julie,
It works, it took some time for me to adjust to it, but I find it very helpful.
Judy Mohammed
This is a great idea for difficult questions.. I plan to use this technique.
Steven,
Good idea! I use probing to help them at these times.
Judy Mohammed
Jesse,
It took me a while to get accustomed to using wait time as well. It does make a difference though.
Judy Mohammed
On the wait times I give students that may be struggling a little mor tome to get engaged in the question and topic
I notice myself not giving enough first and second wait times very often.And I can see how allowing that time will gives students who may not know the answer off the top of their head some time to think about it and be confident in an answer.
April,
This is true - it is a form of checking that they are understanding the new information. Sometimes, we are able to learn from our students as well.
Judy Mohammed
This is a great technique for difficult questions...I will incorporate this in my lectures. I try to let many students answer questions so that sometimes I can see where they are with the information.
lorraine,
I'm glad you did. Learnign to use wait time can be difficult and we need to have patience for wait time.
Judy Mohammed
I think that I am applying the principles of wait time, but to see a discussion of the topic made me more aware of why it needs to be done properly to enhance student learning. I really enjoyed this topic.
Lisa,
Your technique of making that announcement is good.It takes off the stress of saying the wrong thing from teh students. Keep up the excellence!
Judy Mohammed
