Learning is NOT a Spectator Sport

One of the most frequently used teaching strategies in the classroom is as follows:

1. The teacher asks a question.
2. Student who wish to respond raise their hands.
3. The teacher calls on a student.
4. The student attempts to state the correct answer.

Since this strategy is so frequently used, it is important to ask, “Just how effective is it?” The answer is the teacher is the only person actively engaged with all the questions and answers. Only one student per question is actively engaged in the lesson. The follow up question is - "How can teachers get more students involve during a question and answer session?"

Think-Pair-Share can be used as an alternative strategy for asking your students questions. The process is as follows:

1. The teacher asks a question.
2. The teacher gives all the students time to think.
3. The teacher directs the students to discuss their thoughts with their buddy.
4. The teacher calls on one of the pairs to share their answer.

Notes: Establish buddies before the lesson begins. Also before each question announce length of time for student thinking and discussion.

Please post in the comment section a strategy you use to encourage your students to be actively involved during your question and answer sessions.