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Cold Calling Without the Fear Factor
A practical, low-stress way to get every student thinking — without the fear.
Steve White
June 23, 2025
THIS WEEK’S FOCUSCold calling has been making a comeback — but not the “gotcha” version you might remember. When used well, it raises expectations, boosts engagement, and gives every student a voice. |  |
THE RESEARCH IN A NUTSHELL
Cold calling is the practice of selecting students to respond without them volunteering. Lemov’s Teach Like a Champion popularised it, but the method is grounded in strong classroom psychology: it fosters accountability, improves attention, and spreads participation. A 2018 study by Dallimore et al. found that cold calling, when used respectfully, increases both confidence and performance — especially among quieter students.
TRY IT THIS WEEK
When asking a question, pause for thinking time — then choose a student by name. Say, “Let’s hear from… Jamal.” Use it with a calm tone, smile, and encouragement. Then follow up with, “Who else would approach this differently?”
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Don’t use cold calling to catch students out. Avoid using it as a behaviour tool. It works best when paired with routines like think-pair-share or mini whiteboards to give students a moment to prepare.
FURTHER READING
WHAT TEACHERS SAY
“Cold calling changed the rhythm of my classroom. Quieter pupils started to expect to be included — and that changed everything.”
REFLECT AND TRY
How might cold calling shift participation in your class this week?
Could you try it in just one lesson — with just one question?
Until next time,
One idea. Five Minutes. Real impact.
P.S. Word of mouth is everything. If you know someone who’d enjoy this newsletter, I’d love it if you shared it with them.
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