Tom Sherrington has transformed classroom questioning through his advocacy of ‘cold calling’—a simple yet powerful technique that challenges traditional hands-up culture.

Universal Participation

Cold calling democratises classroom discourse. By randomly selecting students to respond rather than relying on volunteers, Sherrington ensures every learner remains engaged and accountable. This eliminates the passive spectator role that plagues traditional questioning.

Checking Understanding

Sherrington emphasises that cold calling provides teachers with genuine formative assessment. Rather than hearing only from confident volunteers, educators can gauge the understanding of all students—including those who typically remain silent. This reveals misconceptions early, allowing timely intervention.

Building Confidence

Contrary to fears about anxiety, Sherrington demonstrates that cold calling—when implemented warmly and supportively—builds student confidence. By normalising that everyone contributes and establishing a culture where mistakes are learning opportunities, students develop resilience and intellectual courage.

Practical Implementation

Sherrington’s strength lies in making cold calling accessible. He advocates for name-first calling, allowing think time, and creating a supportive climate where all contributions are valued. His practical guidance—from using name cards to establishing clear expectations—enables teachers to implement the technique confidently.

Through clear rationale, practical strategies, and emphasis on classroom culture, Sherrington has made cold calling an essential tool for equitable, effective questioning that elevates every learner’s voice.