Improving Participation in Discussions with Talk Moves

Source: http://www.teachingchannel.org

Purpose: To use verbal and nonverbal communication signals to acknowledge and affirm others and their contributions. Effective communication is an important transitions skill described in the Transitions Integration Framework. Skill 3c can be found on page 8 of the TIF: Acknowledge and affirm others and their contributions.

Prep Time: None

Materials: None

Procedure:

1. Before a class discussion, model one of the talk moves for the students and write and display a reminder for students to refer to during the discussion.
2. During the discussion, ask a few students to use the new talk move.
3. During the next class discussion, ask a few students to use the talk move again.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to introduce another talk move. Continue to remind students to use the moves during discussions.

The Moves

Repeating: Can you repeat what Shukri just said?
This requires students to pay attention when other students are speaking.

Adding On: I would like to add something to what Martin just said.
Students listen to what others say and then add on another idea.

Agreement: This is a silent signal, done with one hand to show, “I am thinking the same thing as you.”

Revising Our Thinking: I am starting to revise my thinking.
A student has permission to change their mind when they have new information.

See These Talk Moves in Action: To see a video of students using these talk moves and hear an explanation of them by the teacher, visit the Teaching Channel Site: https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/student-participation-strategy?fd=1. Note that these students are fourth graders, but the talk moves are just as effective with adult language learners.