Top 5 strategies to respond to pupil learner student answers of questions in the classroom? Useful summary guide!

Below is a useful summary of how to respond to pupil answers in the classroom. It is very important that as educators we can handle pupil responses effectively and maximise outcomes. We need to make sure we demonstrate that we are listening to learners, probe the answers they give, allow enough time for pupil to respond and finally minimise the feedback.

Strategy	Description	Application
1) Demonstrate listening questions and answers	Show students you are interested in their response. Initial responses maybe fragmented or disjointed as students grapple to clarify their ideas.	Use non-verbal signals such as facial expressions, a nod, eye contact, sitting forward
2) Sustain the question questions and answers	Use probes that encourage the clarification, extension or elaboration of a response. Encourage a range of responses to the one question.	Does anyone ha a different opinion?Could you tell us a little more about that idea? Can you provide some evidence to support your point of view?
3) Allow wait time questions and answers	Learn to be comfortable with the silences, so that wait time is extended. Tell students why you are waiting	Use affirmative non-verbal signals (such as a nod) that show engagement and provide encouragement.
4) Minimise feedback questions and answers	Affirm student responses, but avoid excessive praise, which may silence alternative responses.	That’s an interesting view. Yes, that’s one way. Can anyone add to that?Thank you for that idea.
5) Vacate the floor questions and answers	Redirect student responses or comments. Breaking the sequence makes students aware that talk doesn’t always have to be directed through the teacher. This encourages student dialogue.	Would any one like to respond to that idea?What can you add to that response? How consistent is this response with your thinking?