Sometimes I hear teachers using the idea of cold calling as a threat.
This makes me despair!
Cold calling is intended to be an inclusive approach to participation. The idea is that everyone’s voice is valued and useful. It’s also an excellent way to check understanding, and to hear different perspectives.
Relying on volunteer systems such as ‘hands up’ means that many students won’t participate. But, in my experience, most will contribute if they are asked directly. (Especially, of course, if this is done in a sensitive way, in a classroom culture of care and high expectations.)
Read more about some of my thoughts on participation systems: https://oracycambridge.org/should-we-ask-for-volunteers/
More about classroom culture
