Promoting the Power of Pause

Angie Hall

High School Math

Lee County

What’s the Problem?

• Many students struggle to understand and retain information.
• Using notes as a resource does not come naturally to most students.
• Students believe they “can’t do math.”

Survey Says…

Fall 2023 Class Survey Results

Why is the problem a problem?

• Rushing instruction in order to “cover” topics
• Incorrect assumptions about what students already know or how quickly they will grasp a concept
• Lack of focused opportunity to stop and reflect on learning

There’s a Tool for That

THE POWER OF PAUSE

Cornerstone 4: Developing a Culture of Thinking and Learning

Tools for a Successful School Year ©2016 by Silver Strong & Associates

Why This Tool?

• Versatility
• Ease of Implementation
• Habit Development

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Power of Pause – “A tool that highlights the power of simple

pauses to promote thinking and learning.”

(Silver, Perini, & Boutz (2016) Tools for a Successful School Year, pg. 98 Silver Strong and Associates.)

The Big Question

How will utilizing the Power of Pause affect students’ confidence in the classroom and perception of their own learning?

Methodology

• Introduce January 2024
• Implement in all Geometry classes January-March
• Collect student reflections, survey responses, and observation notes
• “In what ways has pausing made you a better learner?”  
• “In what ways has pausing increased your confidence as a math student?”

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Expectations

• students who are confident that they CAN learn math
• increased retention and understanding