Description: This lesson describes the use of multiple opportunities to respond (OTR) within classroom instruction to ensure that students are engaged and actively involved in learning.  The more time students spend engaged in learning activities, the more they learn. Additionally, increased rates of responding and the subsequent improved learning tend to increase the amount of material that can be covered.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the benefits of providing students with Opportunities to Respond (OTR)
  • List and describe verbal and non-verbal strategies teachers can use to prompt student response

Reflective Questions:

Think about the amount of opportunities to respond you provided during a recent lesson.

How would your instruction compare to these response guidelines?

  • New material – a minimum of 4-6 responses per minute with 80% accuracy.
    • Review of previously learned material – 8-12 responses per minute with 90% accuracy

Defining Terms

Opportunity to Respond (OTR): Teacher behavior that prompts or solicits a student response (verbal, written, gesture).

Verbal Strategies: Students respond orally to teacher prompt.

Non-verbal Strategies: Students use a signal, card, writing, or movement to respond to teacher prompt.

Wait Time or Think Time: The time lapse when delivering a question before calling on a student or cueing a group response.