National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

Which strategy is Mr. Howell using when he gives students several seconds to pause and think before answering a question?

1. Think time

2. Wait time

3. Active listening

4. Scaffolding

The correct answer is: Wait time

The strategy Mr. Howell is employing by allowing students several seconds to pause and think before responding is known as wait time. This approach is rooted in the understanding that giving students a short period to gather their thoughts enhances their ability to formulate a comprehensive answer. Research shows that when teachers provide wait time after posing a question, it not only encourages critical thinking but also increases the likelihood of student participation and engagement. By allowing this pause, Mr. Howell enables students to process the question deeply, reflect on what they've learned, and articulate their responses more effectively. This time can also help less confident students to gain the courage to participate, as they feel they have adequate time to think rather than being rushed. In contrast, think time typically refers to the focus on students' ability to process information or reflect during learning activities, rather than specifically after questions are posed. Active listening involves attentive engagement with what students are saying, and scaffolding refers to the support provided to students to help them achieve understanding with new concepts or skills, both of which are separate from the strategy of allowing time to think before answering.