This week, my lesson included a whole class discussion as well as a think-pair-share. During think-pair-share’s in the past, I have allowed too much time to “pair” and the conversation would get off topic. I was cognizant of this and ensured students were able to discuss the given topic in a reasonable amount of time and then share their ideas with the class. Although many students participated during the lesson, I still was not able to engage all students. The few that do not participate, plus the occasional time students get distracted, results in quite a few students who are not actively engaged in the lesson. Checking for understanding at the end of lessons allows me to assess students’ learning but throughout the lesson, it can still be difficult to ensure full participation.

One strategy that I would like to try is circulating the class during whole class discussions and not simply during pair activities or work time. I have not asked many questions from anywhere but the front of the classroom. It would be interesting to circulate and ask questions from different areas. This is also a great way of ensuring all students are attentive and focussed on the lesson.

Another technique that I would like to try is posing student responses to the entire class. For instance, if one student has an idea or suggestion, I think it would increase student engagement if I asked the rest of the class what their thoughts are. Instead of simply answering a teacher’s question, it will create more of a student-centred environment and allow the students to carry the discussion. If there are certain strategies that are unsuccessful or ineffective, teachers can modify them or try something different. The important thing is to be open to new ideas!