Strategic silence can be one of the most powerful tools in a teacher’s toolkit. This course helps secondary teachers use wait time effectively to deepen student thinking, encourage richer responses, and improve classroom dialogue. Learn practical strategies tailored to your subject, and discover how small pauses can make a big impact across all year levels and learning areas.
For early career teachers seeking practical, ready-to-use strategies, and experienced teachers looking to refine or refresh their classroom pause and wait time routines.
3.5.2 Proficient Level - Plan for and implement Effective Teaching and Learning - Use effective classroom communication: Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student understanding, participation, engagement and achievement
FREE with Online Subscription
Welcome
Acknowledgement of Country
Learning Objectives
Teaching Standards
Introduction
What the Research Tells Us
Myth-Busting Wait Time
Reflection Question
Introduction
Understanding Wait Time 1 and 2
Why It Matters in Secondary Classrooms
Strategies for Using Wait Time Effectively
The ‘Back Pocket Question’
Distributed Wait Time
Socratic Silence
Anchor Thinking Prompts
Introduction
Why Students Need Support During Wait Time
Visual Cues: Making Thinking Visible
Thinking Tools That Support Student Responses
Teacher Resource - Trial and Thinking Tool
Reflection Question
Introduction
Where to Embed Wait Time in Your Lesson Flow
Strategy Snapshot: Routine + Cue + Student Action
Scenario Activity – The Missed Moment
Reflection Question
Wrap Up
Reference List
Course Feedback
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