Digital Pedagogy: Why Wait Time in Online Instruction Is Not a Waste of Time

Wait time in education as first introduced by Mary Budd Rowe in 1972 is the period of silence between asking a question and calling for an answer in the context of classroom teacher-student interaction. While research has proven that this age long instructional strategy is beneficial to the effectiveness of teaching and learning, it is often sidelined and overlooked in synchronous online instruction.

Through Education 360 teacher dialogues, it was gathered that most teachers teach the way they were taught while a few teach the way they wish they were taught. Unfortunately, most teachers teaching today were not taught online; putting a demand on educators to learn and adapt to what works in the online learning environment. A good starter is to acknowledge that the dynamics of online instruction is undoubtedly different from face-to-face instruction. Nonetheless, there are some instructional approaches that are effective for both contexts; wait time being one of them. This is because, wait time can be utilized in all the four basic elements of effective online instruction; communication, presence, discussion and constructive feedback. Having periods of silence between asking a question and calling for an answer is seen as a waste of time in online instruction as teachers are often focused on delivering the content within the allotted time of engagement. This piece asserts that wait time in online instruction is not a waste of time and should be strictly incorporated in online teaching and learning for the following reasons.

· Wait time gives students an opportunity to think and organize their thought.

In a virtual classroom, ten seconds can feel very awkward. Several instances have been observed where teachers ask “are you there”, “can you hear me”, “I’m waiting for your response in the chatroom” after two seconds of posing a question. This practice interrupts students thinking and impedes the effectiveness of the learning process. It is crucial for teachers to wait ten seconds after asking a question to allow students time to think and communicate their thought. This waiting period is where students ponder over the question, formulate a response and verbalize their thinking.

· Wait time gives instructors a true picture of students understanding and knowledge comprehension. Communication in any learning environment is a two-way process between teachers and learners. In any instance where communication becomes one-way, learning cannot be properly assessed and this is same for virtual learning environments. The think or wait time is also a strategy to assess students learning based on their responses. Hearing the students’ full responses will allow you to give them credit for their ideas and to determine when they have not yet understood the material.

· Wait time gives students a chance to navigate and interact with technology appropriately.

Whether using a learning management system, a video conferencing software, an interactive whiteboard, a gamification tool or question and answer clickers, it is fairly or entirely new to students. As much as teachers all over the world are adapting to the use of modern technology for teaching, so are students adapting to its use for learning. Wait time allows students to try and fail finding their way to a chat box, unmute themselves to speak or worse, find a link to an attached quiz game. When given adequate time with the necessary guidelines and instructions, most students succeed at interacting with tech tools for learning. This enhances their confidence and interest in the entire learning process.

· Wait time gives every student an opportunity to be heard.

Very often, there are students who will put forward answers before ten seconds wait time elapses. But, it is important to wait because thought processing speed differs from person to person. While some students can be formulating their thought as they speak or type, others will have to finish formulating their thought before considering whether or not to share their answers. Waiting allows for maximum student’s participation as the silence puts a demand on learners to think and share their thoughts. In instances where responses are not forthcoming after the ten seconds waiting period, teachers should rephrase questions, provide explanation to the question but desist from answering the question themselves.

Technology, well utilized, is a blessing rather than a bane in any classroom. It is important for educators to prioritize two-way communication for effective teaching and learning in virtual learning environments by incorporating adequate wait time (ten seconds recommended) to allow students responses and participation.

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Author: Education 360. Support our work @ www.education360gh.com