Catch
With the technique Catch, a student answers a question, and you ask another student is asked to repeat back what was said, word for word.
Why use this technique?
The technique can be useful if you want to check students are paying attention. It can also give students multiple exposures to a particular answer, increasing the likelihood this will be remembered.
Example
Teacher: ‘What does the word “satellite” mean, Jamie?’
Jamie: ‘An object which orbits a planet.’
Teacher: ‘Thanks, Jamie. Marnie, repeat that back.’ [Catch]
Marnie: ‘Um... an object which... I’m not sure.’
Teacher: ‘Okay, well Jamie did just tell us. Make sure you’re listening whenever someone is talking. Jamie, can you tell us what the word “satellite” means again, please?’
Jamie: ‘An object which orbits a planet.’
Teacher: ‘Thanks. Marnie: repeat that back.’ [Catch]
Marnie: ‘An object which orbits a planet.’
Teacher: ‘Good. Fiona, your turn: what do we mean by the word ‘satellite’?’ [Catch]
Fiona: ‘An object which orbits a planet.’
Teacher: ‘Good. Right, everyone: repeat that back together, on three. Three, two, one...’
Everyone: ‘An object which orbits a planet.’ [Choral Response]
Teacher: ‘Perfect. A satellite is an object which orbits a planet. We all need to know that.’
The example show the Catch technique being used three times, and the Choral Response technique being used towards the end of the teacher-student exchange.
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)?