Strategies to Extend Student Thinking

Ø Call on students randomly.

Use name cards, sticks, etc. Have all students respond in writing.

Ø Utilize “Think~Pair~Share”

Two minutes of individual think time, two minutes discussion with a partner, then open up the class discussion. Have all students write.

Ø Remember “Wait Time”

Ten to twenty seconds following a ‘higher level’ question. (Have questions written out on the overhead/blackboard/handout.

Ø Ask “Follow-ups”

Why? Do you agree? Can you elaborate? Give me an example.

Ø Withhold judgement

Respond to students answers in a non-evaluative fashion.

Ø Ask for summary (to promote active listening)

“Could you please summarize John’s point?”

Ø Survey the class

“How many agree with the author’s point of view?” (Thumbs up/down)

Ø Allow for student calling

“Would you please call on someone else to respond?”

Ø Play devil’s advocate

Require students to defend their reasoning against differing points of view.

Ø Ask students to “unpack their thinking”

“Describe how you arrived at your answer” “Please think aloud for us”

Ø Student Questioning

Let the students develop their own questions. Give students a taxonomy of wordings, by Bloom’s or by Marzano’s.

Ø Cue student responses

“There is not a single correct answer for this question. Consider alternative solutions/responses/answers.”