The Importance of Wait Time

Wait Time

“Wait time is the period of silence between the time a question is asked and the time when one or more students respond to that question.” (TeacherVision, 2015)

How to ask questions:

1. Ask the question

2. Wait - count to four in your head and then wait just a little more. 

3. Ask a random student a question.

4. Bounce that question to another student asking them what they think of the answer.

* For students who hesitate in answereing questions say; "you got this", then have the rest of the class answer on sticky notes or a piece of paper to compare answer. 

or

* Everyone get a piece of paper and write down your responses. (While the teacher waits for a specific student to finish)

Different ways to call on students for formative assessment:

- Class Response

- Student Volunteer

- Random

I like using the popscicle sticks to pulling names. All students have to pay attention because they don't know who is getting called on next. 

*Hint - use toilet paper roll inside can to seperate sticks.

- Show Me 

Students respond on a sticky note, notebook paper or an exit ticket.

Other Links:

Differentiation