Normalizing Silence: Explain to students the purpose of wait time and that it is OK to take a moment to think before responding.

This helps in creating a learning environment where students feel comfortable taking their time.

Tips: Have a direct conversation with students about this process; post reminders in the room; and, revisit expectations frequently. 

Hand Gestures: To give students visual cues around wait time, define a set of clear, simple hand gestures.

Using gestures enhances communication, engages students more effectively, and supports diverse learning styles by providing visual cues alongside verbal instruction.

Tip: Develop a set of gestures that you specifically teach to your students (e.g. point to head to “think, etc.).

Silent Counting: To ensure you are giving students enough time to respond, tutors can silently count to themselves after asking a question.

This helps in resisting the urge to answer the question themselves or to move on too quickly.

TIP: Count silently in your head (1-10 works well) while looking at different students across the room.

Think-Pair-Share: Students first think individually, then discuss with a partner before sharing with the whole group.

This process allows students to reflect independently and collaborate before presenting to the class.  

Tip: Have a direct conversation with students about what this means and ensure that everyone has time and opportunity to think individually before pairing.

Students Write Answers First: Allow time for students to write down their answers or response before opening up whole-group sharing or discussion.

This method gives each student time to process and determine their responses at their own pace.  You can visibly see when all students are done.  

Tip: Provide instruction to your students about first capturing their answers on paper before taking turns sharing with the whole-group.