ABSTRACT
Thought-provoking questions promote learning and critical thinking, so planning critical questions and how students can respond to them is a worthy investment of time. Responding with raised hands is only one appropriate solution. Rather than calling out answers or even responding when called on, students can write out their answers in a number of ways. Some teachers also use clickers to tally whole-group responses. Whole-group responses
Clear sheet protectors. Students can write on the slick outer surface with a non-permanent, dry-erase pen that can be wiped clean. To make whole–group responses easily visible to you, have students slide a blank piece of paper inside the folder.
White boards. Use handmade white boards cut from a sheet of white shower board (the liner used prior to tiling). Cut enough boards for the students in your classroom. When purchasing the board, mention that you are a teacher, and the store personnel may cut it for you. Once cut, cover rough edges with colored masking tape. Note that even dry-erase markings must be cleaned off immediately after use. Students can erase responses with old socks, but rubbing alcohol and a multipurpose cleaner are needed for deeper cleanings. At the end of the school year, clean the boards with a rag soaked in lacquer thinner.
