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.
- Process what's been asked.
- See if they can formulate an answer to the question.
- Formulate an answer in their head (how they will convey their answer).
- Decide if it is safe to answer.
- 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
