👋 Hey hey friend!

Every teacher has heard it: “I don’t know.” But instead of treating it as a dead end, we can turn that moment into an opportunity.

In this edition of ⚗️DistillED, we explore the Second Chance strategy—sometimes known as No Opt Out (Doug Lemov, Teach Like a Champion)—a simple but powerful way to keep students accountable, build confidence, and strengthen classroom culture.

What is Second Chance?

Second Chance is a questioning strategy where a student’s “I don’t know” doesn’t end the conversation. Instead, the teacher signals that they'll return shortly, inviting others to respond first. Once an answer is given or a meaningful cue is offered, the teacher circles back to the original student and asks them to repeat or paraphrase that response—or even select the best answer and explain why or add their own reasoning.

In a nutshell, the process is illustrated in the diagram and plays out like this:

• Pause: Acknowledge the “I don’t know” and signal you’ll return.

• Invite: Ask one or two other students to share responses.

• Return: Circle back to the original student.

• Respond: Have them paraphrase, select the best answer, or add their own.

• Reinforce: Praise effort and guide improvement.

So why is this so important? Let’s dip our toes into the research…

Why is the Second Chance strategy effective?

Questioning is one of the most frequent features of classroom teaching—Brualdi (1998) found that teachers ask more than 300 questions per day! With questioning so central to learning, strategies like Second Chance become vital for ensuring all students are thinking and contributing.

Research into classroom questioning and formative assessment shows that students learn best when participation is expected and mistakes are reframed as part of learning. By returning to a student after they initially say “I don’t know,” teachers make it clear that thinking cannot be avoided and that every learner will be supported to contribute.

Essentially, this strategy reinforces the message that every student is expected to think, participate, and be given another shot at success. It builds:

• Accountability: Keeps every student engaged and responsible for answering

• Opportunity: Frames hesitation as a chance to try again

• Confidence: Builds success through supported second attempts

• Resilience: Normalises struggle as part of learning

• Attention: Strengthens listening to peers and teacher

Cognitive science strengthens this case. Learning requires active thought, and as Daniel Willingham reminds us, “Memory is the residue of thought.” Second Chance ensures that students keep thinking—listening to peers, evaluating responses, and formulating their own ideas—so that the act of engaging becomes the act of learning.

As we know, retrieval practice—the act of generating an answer—strengthens memory and supports long-term retention. The Second Chance strategy ensures that even students who begin with “I don’t know” are drawn into this process. By requiring them to listen, reflect, and then contribute, hesitation is transformed into retrieval practice, giving every learner the opportunity to think harder and remember more.

So, how do we make sure that every “I don’t know” becomes a springboard for learning rather than a dead end?

Let’s find out.

How do I implement Second Chance effectively?

To make the Second Chance strategy more effective, clarity and tone matter. Before adopting the 6 step approach below, address the following groundwork:

• Set Expectations: Be explicit: “I’ll ask two more people, then come back and ask you which response you think is best.”

• Frame Positively: Emphasise that it’s an opportunity: “I’ll give you a little more time and then come back to you.”

• Don’t Blame: Avoid scolding. Instead: “That’s okay, but it’s important to stay focused so you learn. I’ll ask again shortly.”

Remember, “I don’t know” doesn’t mean move on. Be patient, circle back, and give students the chance to retrieve, reflect, and grow. It’s in those second attempts that confidence is built and real learning sticks.

Until next time — keep questioning, keep coming back!

Jamie

Where can I find out more?

Second Chance Prompts Cheat Sheet
To support your use of the Second Chance strategy, I’ve put together a Teacher Prompts Cheat Sheet — a half-page printable with ready-to-use wording for every stage of the process.

Checklist and Slideshow

This week’s ⚗️DistillED+ resources are checklist and a CPD slideshow on the Second Chance strategy. Together, they cover the WHAT, WHY, and HOW of using “I’ll come back to you” to turn “I don’t know” into retrieval, accountability, and learning.

Upgrade to ⚗️DistillED+ to download the content.

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