Building Ratio through Questioning Technique 25 Wait Time

16 Uses and possible narratives to use with Wait Time Acknowledge and build from the eager “I see two hands…. I need to see 10 hands…. I’m counting: ten, nine, eight…” Encourage more participation “Everyone has a voice, and I want to hear your thoughts!” Let students know they have the time to think “Take your time. Think a bit…I am giving you time to think. ”

16 Uses and possible narratives to use with Wait Time Validate careful, extended thought “Work smart, not fast. ” Make suggestions on what students could do to arrive at an answer “Push your thinking!” Encourage paper work “Take a few minutes and jot down your answers. ” • Encourage collective focus and enthusiasm “Rub your temples, get those minds working!” • Encourage trying, taking risks “Take a chance…. where are my risk takers? ” • Elicit more correct responses “Whisper your answer into your hand before you raise your hand. ”

16 Uses and possible narratives to use with Wait Time Normalize positive behavior “I see Johnny concentrating. ” Encourage use of evidence in answers “Can you prove your answer is right? ” Encourage more use of resources “I spy scholar eyes looking around the room for resources. ” Encourage double-checking of answers “I’ll give everyone a minute to double-check in your book. ”

16 Uses and possible narratives to use with Wait Time Encourage reasoning as part of an answer “Be ready to explain how you got your answer. ” Elicit alternative possibilities “There might be more than one explanation. ” Prompt collective effort “Be ready to listen critically to your classmates. ”