Amplify
A student’s answer to a question is too quiet for everyone to hear, so you repeat back what they have said, word for word, without paraphrasing, so everyone can hear. In other words, you Amplify the student’s response.
Why use this technique?
This technique helps support the development of a ‘listening culture’ in classrooms. Some students are very shy and struggle with speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. Ultimately, we want to build their confidence and get them to a point where they are happy to speak louder, but it can take time to get there. This technique addresses that.
Example
In a business management lesson…
Teacher: ‘Let’s recap what we should have learned about stakeholders to this point. Can I have one way in which an owner can influence a business, please… Oliver.’
Oliver: [Quietly.] ‘They can withdraw equity.’
Teacher: ‘They can withdraw equity. What do you think… Kate? Is he right?’ [The teacher has amplified the answer.]
Kate: ‘Yes, I think he is.’
Teacher: ‘Agreed. One of the things managers can do to influence a business is withdraw equity. Can you add anything to this, Kate?’
Kate: [Quietly.] ‘They can also invest equity.’
Teacher: ‘That’s a good answer. They can invest equity too.’ [Again, the teacher has amplified the answer.]
Notes and tips
As with Say It Again, Louder, this is a technique we are ultimately hoping to make redundant because we are trying to teach students to speak loud enough whenever they answer a question.
If, when amplifying, you change any words from the original answer, make sure you draw attention to this, so everyone is clear about the change you made.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?