Choral Response

When answers are short and the same, teachers pose a question to which all students respond in unison.  Choral response is an effective way to increase the frequency of student responses, refocus student attention, and provide rehearsal of important information.   

ASOT Elements: E14, E26 

Procedure:

1. Teach students a signal for responding in unison (e.g., hand signal, verbal cue, or tap).

2. To all students, pose a question for which the answer is short and the same.

3. Provide appropriate wait time.

4. Signal a unison response.

5. Provide immediate feedback regarding accuracy.

Tips:

• If not all students respond, repeat with clear directions: "Let's say that again," or "everyone together this time."

• To gauge the wait time necessary, think through a reasoned answer yourself and add a bit of time.  You might also have students indicate their readiness (e.g., eye contact, thumbs up).

• For extensive information, see Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching (Archer & Hughes, 2011, p. 133-138).

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