Randomize & Rotate (STEP 3 from Seidlitz, 7 Steps to a Language Rich, Interactive Classroom)
Randomize & Rotate (STEP 3 from Seidlitz, 7 Steps to a Language Rich, Interactive Classroom)
Levels PK-12 Content - all Materials: index cards, popsicle sticks, paint sticks, or flippity.net
As teachers, we sometimes struggle with having the same few students always raise their hands to respond to questions. When teachers expect all students to contribute, the culture of the classroom changes. Students pay attention more closely and are encouraged when they believe that their teacher has complete confidence that that can add value to the lesson. The Randomizing and Rotating strategies are two concrete ways to call on students in a supportive way that encourages students to continue to take academic risk. (Seidlitz). Should we use them all the time? No way... academic discourse sometimes need to flow naturally between students in a class discussion. However, frequent use of this strategy, especially when introducing something new or checking for understanding, can greatly benefit students. See below to learn more about these two low/no prep techniques.
READ ABOUT IT
READ ABOUT IT
Randomizing
We all love solutions that require very little planning. Create simple systems like using index cards or Popsicle sticks with students' names on them. It changes the way we ask questions and remember, the teacher "always" knows which name is on it. If you draw Danny's name, the only person who really knows who's name is drawn is the teacher.
The goal is to have ALL students involved in the discussion, so ALL students' learning can be observed. When randomizing the questioning technique looks like this:
Ask the question
Pause - Pausing after the question gives everyone a chance to think, and it creates some "positive tension" as students wonder who will be chose.
Select a student to respond using a random selection process
In some cases, it's ok to ask students to not raise their hands; this eliminates the temptation to call on those who volunteer.
Index cards & Popsicle sticks work great, but you can also use apps like Flippity Random Name Generator.
PLAN IT
PLAN IT
Here are a few systems that have worked for other teachers. What might work for you?
PRO TIP
PRO TIP
PRO TIP! Banish these phrases from your questioning vocabulary:
"Who can tell me..."
"Let's see who knows..."
"Does anyone know..."
"Can someone tell the class..."
These phrases typically encourage the students who are already participating or who dominate or shout out to continue doing so. However, our goal is to have everyone involved. When we do not use Randomize & Rotate strategies, we are only monitoring the comprehension of the most actively motivated students. (Seidlitz, 7 Steps, p.37)
WATCH IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
WATCH IN HIGH SCHOOL
Notice how the teacher randomly called on Travis after all students had a chance to orally practice and share ideas with a partner in parallel lines.
In which phases of the instructional model might this strategy be used?
In which phases of the instructional model might this strategy be used?
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