Leading discussions is hard work. To grease the wheels, I developed two weird tics: re-stating and repeating louder. Both increase dependency on me, and enable students to become passive listeners.
All AboutTalking Less
The more teachers talk, the less students will. Here are some studies about teacher talk as well as some practical strategies to reduce how much time you spend talking in class.
Non-Examples are as Important as Examples
As teachers, we use tons of examples to illustrate concepts. But an example becomes even more powerful when paired with its opposite: the non-example.
Talking Less: Making Better Class Announcements
Many of our words are wasted not on teaching, but on announcements, directions, and updates. Imagine yourself waiting at an airport. Think of the constant stream of “important announcements” broadcast over the speakers. There are so many, that you simply stop hearing them.
Talking Less: Shocking Stats On What Students Can Hear
When you’re up speaking in front of a group, it’s so easy to assume that they’re hanging on your every word. The reality is we are incapable of hearing as fast as people speak. We can’t hear everything someone says, let alone remember, let alone understand.