Wait Time
The hardest thing for me to do is allow my students the right amount of time to think through the question I have just asked. I want the pace of class to stay brisk, so I struggle to give them the time they need to respond. Should I plan less for each class to allow the proper amount of time for them to respond?
I agree with this idea. I'm a new teacher and have learned that standing at the front of the classroom is just intimidating. But when I interact closer with each student I seem to become more personable to them. It seems to develop personal relationships with them.
I believe that, depending on the dynamics of the class, sometimes students need more than 4-5 seconds to process a question. It's hard for me to justify "racing" through learning. Of course, rephrasing the question can help, but every student thinks differently and at different speeds. So, what's the rush?
I find walking around in the classroom during wait times helps them feel save to answer any question I may be asking.
Possibly I become non-threatening to them when I am among them. ?
Thanks Judy, I have often wondered if it was a bad idea to wait several more seconds. I have overcome my own discomfort, by rephrasing or clarifying the question after 4 or 5 seconds, that seems to encourage response...students really need thinking time.
John,
Yes, we can use probing, but we need to learn to allow more than 4-5 seconds. It may be uncomfortable in the beginning, but the results will help us to understand the importance of this.
Judy Mohammed
the amount of wait time that is correct seems to vary with the student. If the amount of time that has passed seems to be approaching the point where it's becoming uncomfortable (more than 4-5 seconds) then I will try to lead the student, to some degree, into the process of explaining their answer.
Darren,
Yes you should. It took me some time to get accustomed to using wait time and the results were astounding. I realized that this was more important than my giving all the information planned. I found that I was able to deliver a good class even with omitting some things.
Judy Mohammed
