The structure of wait-time has been studied and researched for many years due to the impact it has on classroom environment and student learning. Mary Budd Rowe was known to develop the idea of wait-time in the 1970s and this paper is influenced by some of her work. For Rowe, it was imperative for teachers to give students a minimum of three seconds to answer questions. The goal of this qualitative study is to understand the views teachers have regarding wait-time, the number of seconds they provide to students to answer questions and the kind of questions asked in the classroom using Bloom’s Taxonomy. The study observes the classroom of three teachers in a school in Karachi, Pakistan. The data is collected through in-depth interviews and classroom observations. The data for the study was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. The study’s findings suggest that teachers are not familiar with the ideal of wait-time and do not seem to incorporate it in their teachings. Hence, the wait-time calculated was less than the ideal three seconds. The study also identifies findings regarding wait-time and the dynamics of instant feedback. Overall, through the participants, the study was able to identify the problems that could arise during the implementation of wait-time which should be considered by teachers. Nevertheless, it is important for schools to adopt teacher training and incorporate strategies to help students learn better within a classroom. This kind of understanding can enable students to become better learners in the classroom.

Authors:
Iqra Moazzam, Durham University, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Iqra Moazzam is a School Teacher/Instructor at Durham University in United Kingdom

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

Bookmark