How can we use silence to condition our students to answer the questions we pose?

Podcast notes: Eight seconds of silence that will transform your teaching

It is counter-intuitive. We want students to engage with us, so we pose questions. Then, they just look at us, or down at their desks, with a pained or bored expression. We decide this whole question-asking thing is for the birds… or, at least, for a different kind of class/discipline than the one in which we teach.

Guest: Dave Stachowiak

How we condition ourselves not to ask questions and condition our students not to answer them.

We try to get our students to engage by asking a question. They stare back at us, blankly. It’s awkward.

Thinking in terms of what to cover in class, versus where the needs actually are.

What has to happen before a student will answer a question.

1. Process what’s been asked.
2. See if they can formulate an answer to the question.
3. Formulate an answer in their head (how they will convey their answer).
4. Decide if it is safe to answer.
5. Raise their hand, or speak (depending on the cultural rules in the classroom).

The 8 second rule takes this time I to account. It used the power of silence to pressure students to take to risk of engaging.

EdTech Finds

Broadening the definition of EdTech for the purpose of sharing a couple things that have captured our attention:

Evernote water bottle (Bonni) After recording the show, I saw that not only is this a great water bottle, but it is also associated with a great cause: WaterAid.

Turning off email on phone (Dave); Essentialism book