How To Lead An Effective Classroom Discussion
Productive Talk Moves For Supporting Classroom Discussion
Talk Moves
1. Revoicing 2. Rephrasing 3. Reasoning 4. Elaborating 5. Waiting |
What It Means and Why
This move involves restating the statement as a question in order to clarify, apply appropriate language, and to involve more students. It is an important strategy to reinforce language and enhance comprehension for ELL's. Asking students to restate someone else's ideas in their own words will ensure that ideas are stated in a variety of ways and encourage students to listen to each other. Rather than restate, as we talked about in move 2, this move asks the student what they think of the idea proposed by another student. This is a request for students to challenge, add on, elaborate, or give an example. It is intended to get more participation from students, deepen student understanding, and provide extensions. Ironically, one "talk move" is to not talk. Quiet time should not feel uncomfortable, but should feel like thinking time. If it gets awkward, ask students to pair-share and then try again. |
Example Teacher Prompts
"You used the hundreds chart and counted on?" "So first you recorded your measurements in a table?" "Who can share what Jim just said, but using your own words?" "Do you agree or disagree with Johanna? Why?" "Can you give me an example?" "Do you see a connection between Julio's idea and Rhonda's idea?" "What if...?" "This question is important. Let's take some time to think about it." |
This chart was taken from Van De Walle, page 43.
Orchestrating an interactive and effective classroom discussion can be challenging, especially getting students involved and participative in the discussion taking place. Student involvement is key in leading an effective whole class discussion. Following the advice and suggestions in the table produce talk moves that fully support classroom discussions, and will result in rapid classroom discussions, in which even those that do not involve themselves in discussions often provide input to the class. It is important to remember that these suggestions are not infallible, and variables may influence student-involvement. Know your students and vast methods of getting them involved in classroom discussions and activities.