Technique 3: Stretch It

This technique rewards a correct answer with more, perhaps tougher, questions. The technique is important for two reasons. First, it reduces the chances that the student didn't just get lucky with the first answer. Second, it makes learning exciting and challenging. The author says, "This keeps [the students] engaged and sends the message that the reward for achievement is more knowledge."

The author also notes that it helps the teacher do "differentiation" in the classroom. This means that the teacher can keep both stronger and weaker students engaged and learning.

The author highlights a some types of Stretch It questions, a few of which I'll list here:

1. Ask How or Why questions.
2. Ask for another way to answer. (Can the student solve the problem another way, and thus demonstrate mastery of multiple techniques?)
3. Ask for a stronger, more descriptive word in the student's answer.
4. Ask for evidence to back up their answer.

My response:

I've used this technique a bit, usually to move the class further through the notes, but I haven't done this much. The point of differentiation seems important here at Calvin where we are told we have a "bi-modal" student population.