What is the time interval between when a teacher asks a question and calls on a student known as?

The time interval between when a teacher asks a question and calls on a student is known as wait time. This practice is crucial in educational settings as it allows students the opportunity to think critically about their responses and formulate more thoughtful answers.

Research indicates that providing an adequate wait time can enhance student participation and lead to more comprehensive responses. It reduces the pressure on students to answer immediately, encouraging those who may need a bit more time to process the question. This technique demonstrates respect for students' thought processes and can increase overall engagement in the classroom.

In contrast, the other terms—participation time, response time, and engagement time—refer to different aspects of the interaction between teachers and students. Participation time may relate to the duration students are actively involved in discussions, while response time generally refers to how long it takes a student to answer after being called upon. Engagement time often pertains to the overall period a student is involved with learning activities. Each of these concepts plays a role in effective teaching and learning but does not specifically capture the interval of pausing after a question is posed.