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| Ever feel that tug of tension when a student asks a really thoughtful question—right in the middle of a tightly timed class? You want to honor their curiosity, but you also know: if you go down that rabbit hole, you may not get where you need to go that day. A detour now and then can be invigorating, sure. But take too many, and you might find yourself wrapping up the semester miles from your original destination.
In A Simple Hack for Focused Discussions: The Follow-Up List, Nichole DeWall offers a deceptively simple strategy that helps navigate this tension. Her approach keeps discussions on track while affirming students’ questions, promoting active listening, and allowing flexibility. It’s the kind of small, sustainable shift that can make a real difference. And here’s the thing: even if you’re not ready to try it this semester, it’s worth filing away. Set a reminder for a week or two before next term starts. You might find this is just the tool you need to start the new semester with a little more space—for curiosity, for structure, and for the students who ask those really good questions. |