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Math PK-2

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Math PK-2 > Strategies > Wait Time

Wait Time

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Overview

Wait time, or think time, of three or more seconds after posing a question increases how many students volunteer and the length and accuracy of their responses. Having more time to think also increases students' Motivation to respond and supports their Short- and Long-term Memory. Waiting after hearing a student's response has also been shown to improve the quality and variety of teachers' questions, in particular increasing the number of questions that require higher-level thinking.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch this short clip on wait time in an elementary classroom. This teacher waits at least three seconds after posing a question on inferencing and once she is sure her students know to use the time to think versus raising their hands with an answer.

  • Teachers need to combine a focus on wait time with a focus on the types of questions they ask. To be most effective, three or more seconds of silence should follow a clear, higher-level question and cues for students on how to think through their answers (e.g., look at their notes). Extended silence after imprecise or lower-level questions tends to increase students' confusion or frustration.

    • Design It into Your Product

  • Product developers should consider wait time in the pacing of activities. For example, products can tell students to pause a video or activity to take time to think before they answer. Products can also build in reminders that pop up if a student is working quickly through a program, suggesting they slow down to give themselves time to think.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Wait Time

    Blog with research-based explanations of wait time

    Examples

    Wait Time and Education

    Article on the importance of wait time and raising hands

    Examples

    Wait Time and the Brain

    Video on the cognitive benefits of wait time

    Professional Development

    Using Wait Time in the Classroom

    Video with a lesson transcript showing wait time implementation strategies

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Numeracy and Mathematics
    Arithmetic Fact Retrieval
    Language Skills
    Cognition
    Long-term Memory
    Short-term Memory
    Speed of Processing
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Motivation
    Social Awareness & Relationship Skills
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Physical Fitness
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

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