Tier 1 · Universal
Increase opportunities to respond
Get every student answering often with choral responses, whiteboards, hand signals, and partner talk.
How to do it
- Plan several response moments in each lesson (aim for several per minute during fast practice).
- Use all-student responses: whiteboards, thumbs up/down, choral answers, response cards.
- Use “turn and talk” before calling on individuals.
- Call on students randomly (name sticks) rather than only volunteers.
- Give quick feedback on responses and move on.
Why it works
- Active students have less time to drift off task
- Gives you instant information on who understands
- Low-risk ways to answer increase participation
When to use it
- During whole-group instruction
- When many students are passive or off task
- With students who rarely raise their hand
Tips and pitfalls
- Give think time before anyone answers.
- Let anxious students rehearse with a partner before sharing publicly.
Helps with
Not working after a fair trial?
Check that it’s been used consistently for 4–6 weeks and that your data shows the pattern. If so, look at the next tier of support for this behavior.
Tier 2 · Targeted