Polished-up Points
With the technique, Polished-up Points, you ask a student who has given reasonable response in a discussion to redraft their answer, making it even better. For example:
‘Nearly. Could you polish your answer up a bit?’
‘I understood most of what you said, but there was just one bit I wasn’t sure about. Could you explain your point again?’
‘Are you sure that’s exactly what you meant?’
Why us this technique?
The technique helps students improve the quality of their contributions in discussions and do most of the cognitive work themselves, as opposed to the teacher (or another student) doing this for them. It is a technique that helps ensure high expectations.
The technique can also help avoid the need for the teacher to tell a student they are wrong, which can sometimes be demotivating. Instead, students can reach this conclusion themselves, and be given the immediate opportunity for success through self-correction.
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)?