As a teacher, waiting is the worst. That dreaded silence where 25 pairs of eyes are locked on you, and you wish so badly that you had the power to read minds. The ticking of the clock is louder in your head and wonder if the students hear it, too.
Fortunately, in the museum, it may not be as bad. Students are usually excited to be in a museum and eagerly raise their hands. We are spoiled with eager students and visitors that we forget what it's like to.... wait.....
To practice wait time, I ask my question, then I like to make sure to look at each child before speaking again. That helps me to slow myself down, but more importantly, give students a chance to think.
I should be able to empathize with students who don't speak up all the time, because I was one of them. As an Asian-American, I am trained to listen to my elders and not speak up. Throughout my school days, I seldom raised my hand--if I did, it was only because I was 100% sure I had the right answer. I hated raising my hand for those open-ended questions because I wouldn't know if I was right or not.
Now, as an educator, I wish that I had teachers who encouraged exploration and open-ended questions/answers. It would've helped me to be more creative and self-confident.
So teachers, I ask you, w a i t. Even if it seems like eternity, there are kids like me, who just needs a bit more time to think and build her self-confidence.
Fortunately, in the museum, it may not be as bad. Students are usually excited to be in a museum and eagerly raise their hands. We are spoiled with eager students and visitors that we forget what it's like to.... wait.....
To practice wait time, I ask my question, then I like to make sure to look at each child before speaking again. That helps me to slow myself down, but more importantly, give students a chance to think.
I should be able to empathize with students who don't speak up all the time, because I was one of them. As an Asian-American, I am trained to listen to my elders and not speak up. Throughout my school days, I seldom raised my hand--if I did, it was only because I was 100% sure I had the right answer. I hated raising my hand for those open-ended questions because I wouldn't know if I was right or not.
Now, as an educator, I wish that I had teachers who encouraged exploration and open-ended questions/answers. It would've helped me to be more creative and self-confident.
So teachers, I ask you, w a i t. Even if it seems like eternity, there are kids like me, who just needs a bit more time to think and build her self-confidence.