Wait Time in Synchronous and Asynchronous Online Learning

The time after a question is asked, or wait time, allows students time to think of a response before speaking. Research suggests that increased wait time can improve students' academic achievement, retention of information, quality of responses, and engagement in the fast-paced classroom instruction. This article advocates for the use of wait time in online learning environments, addresses best practices in utilizing wait time, and concludes with considerations on the use of wait time. Educators can embed the benefits of wait time into the online learning experience for students through think-alouds, think-pair-shares, and pre-recorded lectures that use slides or video. Incorporating wait time into online instruction helps educators and students cultivate patience and utilize classroom aspects, like silence, to support and deepen learning.