is the duration of the pause separating speakers (3-5 seconds at least). There are four types of pauses

• teacher - learner

• learner - teacher

• learner - learner

• teacher - teacher

When asking questions of a group of learners, it is generally preferable to 

• pose a question to the group

• allow learners sufficient wait time to ponder answers to the questions

• ask individual learners to then respond

In a math class, while introducing the concept of multiplying fractions, the teacher allows a student wait time to formulate thoughts before answering a question, even though several students are anxious to answer. A learner then asks the teacher a question. The teacher models wait time, repeats the question so that everyone gets the chance to think, then proceeds to answer. The teacher reminds the learners about the concept of wait time, its benefits and rewards, which was discussed at the beginning of the year.

New

In a reading class, learners are asked the following question after completing the study of the Grasshopper and the Ant: How do the characters in this story relate to people you know? The teacher then asks them to take time in formulating their answers, and to be sure to phrase their answers in complete sentences. The teacher then waits 10 seconds before taking any answers.

In an economics class the teacher asks learners to think of 3 items that increase in value as they get older. She then waits 10 seconds before taking any answers.

In a math class, after answering a problem on the board, the teacher asks learners to consider what each of the numbers signify. The teacher waits 10 seconds before taking any answers.