One way to keep students thinking differently, interested and listening at the end of a session.

Scenario:

It’s the end of the session and you are having a discussion with the whole class. Generally a few students contribute and not everyone is listening or joining in.

Try This:

Say to the class, Today I want you to take turns to jump up and tell us in an excited voice what you have achieved, found out, discovered or learnt.

Be ready with an answer because I will point to you when it is your turn. 

I will give you a minute of think time to get your response ready.

Begin to point or call out to each student. Give everyone a turn.

 Outcomes:

• Every student makes a contribution.
• By ‘jumping up’ and using a different type of voice everyone stays focused and listening.
• Students think and respond differently.

 Tips:

• Allow a minute of ‘think time’.
• If you nominate a student and they have nothing to contribute tell them you will come back to them.
• Make sure you do return to them. You will find that they will have a response ready, especially after hearing others.
• Try different voices types to suit the occasion e.g. surprised, amazed, energetic, persuasive, robotic or strong.