Wait!!!!!!!

Wait Time (and Wait Time Two)

Definition: Wait Time is the practice of allowing more than a few seconds of silence for students to prepare responses, raise their hand, and provide answers. Wait Time Two is the practice of allowing more time for more further responses.

Purposes:
To increase participation
To increase the quality of responses
To develop listening skills
To develop speaking skills

Step 1.
Ask a question to your students.

Step 2.
Wait a minimum of 5-7 seconds. Feel free to wait as many as 15 seconds. Allow the silence to soak in. Use that silence to convince students to respond.

Step 3.
If there is no response after ~10-15 seconds, call on a student to answer. Give the student time to speak without rushing.

Step 4.
Wait another 5-10 seconds.

Step 5.
Call upon a different student to respond.

This strategy merely allows students more time than normal to provide responses. Some students need a little more time to formulate responses. By simply allowing that time, the students will be able to provide more and better responses. Rather than rushing learning, give students time to comprehend what is being discussed. Give them time to think of their own questions, and give them time to question their own understanding.

For information about Wait Time, check out https://www.teachervision.com/your-secret-weapon-wait-time 

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