ELT365 · Day 217 — Using Silence Deliberately

Idea

Wait time — the pause after a question — directly increases the quality of learner responses. Most teachers wait fewer than two seconds before reformulating.

Example

After asking ‘What do you think the text is about?’, count silently to five before taking answers. More learners contribute.

Try

Time your wait after your next three questions. Aim for at least three seconds each time.

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