Wait time and redirection

What is "wait time" in the context of classroom teaching?

• The time a teacher waits before calling on a student

• The duration of a lesson

• The time students spend in line

• The time it takes to complete an assignment

Why is wait time important when asking questions in the classroom?

Research suggests that increasing wait time after asking a question can lead to which of the following outcomes?

• Encourages Student-to- Student interactions

• Allows students to practice using class resources

• Prevents sessions from becoming lecture-heavy

• Faster lesson pacing

IF there is no answer, what should you do?

During a science lesson, Mr. Johnson asks his class, "Why do you think plants need sunlight to grow?" After asking the question, he notices that only one student raises their hand immediately, while others seem to be thinking. Instead of calling on the first student right away, he waits for several more seconds. Eventually, more hands go up, and he calls on a different student who gives a partially correct answer. Mr. Johnson then redirects the question to another student, asking, "Can you add to that or give a different perspective?". Why do you think Mr. Johnson did not call on the first student? How can you do this in your lessons?

Ms. Carter is teaching a math lesson on fractions. She asks the class, "What is 1/2 plus 1/4?" After a few moments, a student responds, "1/6." Instead of immediately correcting the student, Ms. Carter says, "Interesting! Can someone explain why we need to find a common denominator when adding these fractions?" She then waits for additional responses from the class. What is Ms. Carter trying to do with this technique? How can you use this in your SI?