Cold Call – Thresholding – No Opt Out – No More Raising Hands

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Sharing thoughts from Principal, Mark Lowe found on his Middle School Blog: The Panther Post

 

Dr. Tim Hejnal Presentation–Effective Questioning

This seems like a month ago now, but reflecting back, I really liked what Tim shared with us.  It was refreshing to hear from someone who is still a building administrator and “gets” the everyday challenges that make teaching, working kids, one of the most rewarding, but toughest jobs around.  He shared some great, simple, easy to try strategies relative to questioning and student engagement (cold call, thresholding, no opt out).  But, the point he came back to again and again was the necessity and power in development of strong student-teacher relationships.  Between now and our break, how can we try to reach those students who are currently disinterested or marginally engaged?

Don’t create an environment in which students know that once a question is asked, they can simply relax because only those who raise their hands are responsible for the answer. Don’t signal to students that they don’t have to attend when a question is asked. 

Replying to Ask the question, give think time, then call on a student, randomly—this technique forces everyone to prepare to answer the question because no one knows whose name will be called. Very simple—very effective. Raised hands are no longer needed with this technique.

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