Suggestion 113. Provide students with time to think about an answer

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Have students apply concepts to demonstrate understanding

• Know if the class is understanding you or not

• Use effective questioning strategies

Providing students with time to think about an answer to a question.

Many teachers are too quick to answer their own questions without giving students a chance to reflect on the question and volunteer a response. The more important and complex the question, the more important a few minutes of thinking time become. While these periods of silence at first might be uncomfortable for both teacher and student, they can often improve the quality of the students responses.

It may be helpful to let students know that some "wait time" will be provided. Likewise, silence may be acknowledged by saying, "This question takes some time to think about."

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

Next suggestion