I learned that as an instructor, I can increase student engagement and participation by using purposeful questioning techniques and by being intentional with how I manage classroom discussions. I learned that giving students adequate time to think after I ask a question is essential. By increasing wait time to at least three to five seconds (Wait Time 1), I can expect longer and more thoughtful responses, fewer failures to respond, and greater confidence among students. I also understand the importance of Wait Time 2, where I allow time for all students to reflect and respond to each other’s ideas. This encourages more collaborative and reflective discussions.
