Wait time
Wait time can be a speed trap. When you ask a question of a student that never gives answers, it's very easy to not wait for the student to answer. You have to force yourself to wait and then add -on a probing part of the question
I often use probing and redirection in the classroom after asking a question of one student or a question open to the entire classroom. I feel as I do not have problem with the wait-time; I have a problem, with the length of the wait, when all I see is blank stares. I will utilize probing and redirection, and still often do not get a answer. I will admit that I often use closed questioning, so maybe the use of more opened questions will help me with this problem.
Donald,
This is true to all classes; wait time is very effective. This is something all teachers should try if they have not yet used.
Judy Mohammed
In the technical field wait time works great, if they are looking up the answer. I know when the majority of the students have the answer based on their attention span. I choose one person to provide his findings, the quiz another two or three students to make sure all are on track. Wait time is a wonderful tool for quick research answers.
Adam,
At this point, I use probing and ask questions with clues to help the student out. I ask other students to refrain from raising hands so as to give time to the student to think. If the student is still unable to respond, I try to segway to another student in a subtle way or I open the question to the class.
Judy Mohammed
If you are waiting for a student to respond and you start to feel that the student might not be able to answer the question completely, do you think it is best to wait longer (keeping them on the spot) or try to assist the student in giving the answer? Is it beneficial to the student for me to re-ask the question using easier questions at that point?
Cory,
This is true. I had to learn to use wait time at the beginning as well and, as you have found, it is quite effective.
Judy Mohammed
The effective use of wait time was really hard to get used to. I have found that when used correctly it can coax a reluctant student into participating, and help build their confidence.
Cara,
Once we get accustomed to using wait time and realize how effective it is, it becomes the norm.
Judy Mohammed
Wait time can be difficult. I always tell students there are no dumb questions
Melanie,
It is a wonderful thing when we can change to affect growth and development.
Judy Mohammed
I have a difficult time with this as well. I realize that I do give the students that tend to do better in the class more time to answer then others. I will definetly be looking at this and chaging this behavior.
Kimberly,
You will. It is a bit of an adjustment to get used to using wait time, but it is very effective.
Judy Mohammed
Brandon,
We need to train ourselves to use wait time. This can be awkward at the beginning, but it is very effective.
Judy Mohammed
I have not done well with implementing proper wait time intervals in the classroom. I have now began to count in my head but it is so unnatural and tedious. I do see the benefit because the students are reacting and diligently seeking an answer to my question. Hopefully, in time, I will improve.
I never really thought about this very closely until this training. I think I have had classic examples of not giving the appropriate wait time. you really do have to force yourself.
Dale,
You know, it may take some time but soon you will not find yourself not needing to count five mississippi, it will become more natural to use wait time. It is difficult at first, but you become accustomed to it, especially when you see more students becoming involved and alert.
Judy Mohammed
I never feel it's enough to acknowledge that we should do something better in the class like increase first wait-times. It always feels tantamount to saying things like, I should eat less sugary foods, or I should ride my bike more. Affirmations of what we should do more of are easy to make, but actually achieving those goals requires envisioning techniques for increasing wait times. Simple ones like, I will count five mississipi in my head after I ask each open question I ask to insure I am giving students sufficient time to consider possible answers .. What are some other techniques that instructors use to increase attention to and expansion of wait-times?
John,
This is true. As teachers, we need to train ourselves to use wait time. It can be a little awkward at the beginning, but once we (and our students) get used to it, it is very effective.
Judy Mohammed
