Student Talk Boosts Learning

“Communication is the essence of human life.”  -unknown

Teachers are lovers of learning and language and usually very skilled communicators.  We know that language is the key to how we think, speak, and make sense of the world around us.  Classroom talk can be powerful, but think back to a time when you were confined to a seat and forced to listen to an instructor drone on about some concept.  Did you struggle to listen, but your thoughts slipped to something more meaningful – like lunch?  Research shows that telling students what we want them to know does not always equal understanding.  Maybe meaningful talk in the classroom means we need to talk less and encourage students to talk purposefully more.

Language is the foundation for literacy and learning.  Our students have to use language to make language more meaningful.  Children listen and speak long before they can read or write.  They use words to make others aware of their wants and needs and this developmental process grows along with their experiences.  Meaningful classroom talk provides students with opportunities to develop these skills and take greater ownership of their learning.  One kindergarten teacher tells her students, “If you can say it, you can write it.  If you can write it, you can read it.  These are the tools that make us communicators.”  Let’s set the expectations in our classrooms that empower our young communicators and make learning more meaningful in the process.

Here are ten ways for students to talk more and teachers to talk less:

1. Provide more opportunities for dialog and less time for lecture.
2. After giving instructions, have students review with the group about procedures and expectations.
3. Create collaborative tasks where students work together and talk purposefully about the process and product.
4. Share work and have class critiques.  Allow students time to give feedback.
5. Provide reflection time.  Have a time for the class to meet and reflect about the day’s learning.
6. Promote self-talk.  Model how to talk to yourself when working through a problem and show how it helps to build focus and persistence.
7. Let go and let the students find solutions.  Don’t give the quick fix.  Allow students to talk through problems and find appropriate solutions (with your guidance).
8. When students ask you a question, respond with a question to extend their thinking.  “What do you think?”  “Where could you find out more?”
9. Develop class signals as reminders.  Ring chimes, raise a hand, or clap a rhythm to get attention.
10. Appoint class’ ambassadors and helpers.  When visitors come, the ambassadors welcome them and share what learning is taking place.  The class’ helpers take care of daily procedures.

“A child seldom needs a good talking to – as a good listening to.”  – Robert Braut