Description
Book SynopsisThis book summarises the theoretical principles behind talk in school and briefly maps the research tradition in this field. It examines the evidence relating to a variety of forms of classroom talk, including whole school culture and oracy; classroom environments conducive to talk; whole class teacher-pupil talk and pupil-pupil peer talk. The final chapter explores up-to-date issues and influences relating to talk, such as mastery learning, informed by international comparisons. Firmly grounded in evidence and the latest thinking, the book also offers practical advice for everyday implementation and evaluation of these principles.
Evidence-based teaching is fast becoming a new orthodoxy. There are many strong voices, including policy voices, advocating its adoption. Understanding the underlying principles allows you to better evaluate the benefits of different approaches to evidence-based teaching and how they relate to your own school context.
Trade ReviewAt its heart, this book presents a resolute and modelled commitment to criticality as being central to any professional development and progress in practice....The strongest and potentially most provocative moments in this book come when the relationship between theory, practice and (vitally) impact on pupils is made direct: the summaries of and signposts to further reading would support any teacher to take their thinking in this direction.
-- Alys Finch
This book is an invaluable guide to understanding the big ideas that shape current conversations about the role of talk in the classroom. Expertly distilling research and theory into an accessible and thought-provoking text and aided with real case studies and examples, Knight orientates the reader in key debates and explores their implications for practice in depth.
Whether you're a teacher exploring classroom talk for the first time, an oracy enthusiast already or a school leader wanting to develop a culture of talk across your school, this book is guaranteed to prompt new insights, practices and conversations which will enable you to use classroom talk with greater confidence and skill.
-- Alice Stott, Voice 21
Table of Contents
- Introduction and mapping the area
- Learning as a social activity and the place of oracy
- Typical features of whole class interaction
- Creating a dialogic classroom
- Promoting productive peer talk and collaboration
- Classroom talk and the twenty-first century learner
- Conclusion: implications for practice
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