Domain

Questioning & Participation

The ratio problem: in most classrooms a handful of volunteers do the thinking for thirty. These techniques distribute cognitive work to everyone — warmly, predictably, without ambush.

The problems

“It’s always the same five hands”4 techniques
“'I don’t know' ends every exchange”3 techniques
“I get one-word answers or shrugs”5 techniques
“They shout answers before anyone can think”4 techniques
“I ask a question and get silence”5 techniques
“I hear a half-right answer and move on anyway”3 techniques

The techniques

All the Way RightTeacher craftWhen an answer is nearly right, ask warmly for the missing piece instead of supplying it.Call & ResponsePromising researchThe whole class answers together on your cue, so key facts get practised with energy.Circle BackTeacher craftWhen a student says 'I don't know', return to them so they end with success.Cold CallStrong researchNot enough ratings yet · 2 so farAsk the question before you name who will answer, so the whole class keeps thinking.Set How They'll AnswerTeacher craftSay how each question will be answered before you ask it, so calling out fades.Show-Me BoardsPromising researchEvery student writes and shows an answer at once, so you see the whole room's thinking.Stretch the AnswerTeacher craftWhen an answer is right, ask a follow-up question and push the thinking further.Turn & TalkPromising researchLet every student rehearse an answer with a partner before anyone speaks to the room.Wait TimeStrong researchHold three seconds of silence after every question, and answers get longer and better.