1. Student Talk as Curriculum
EDESL 771 Curriculum & Materials in the Content Areas
Hunter College MA in TESOL, Laura Baecher
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2. Exploratory Talk
Every secondary school teacher will have met classes of older adolescents
who do not answer teachers’ questions, who will not join in pseudo-
discussion…They have learnt during the years that most teachers only wish
to hear the expected reply, that they do not want discussions that include
divergent viewpoints and which raise questions different from theirs. When
teachers complain about classes who will not talk they often present this as
a moral failing in the pupils: it is more likely that the pupils have learnt from
their schooling that their knowledge is irrelevant in a context determined by
teachers, examinations, school syllabuses, and so on.
 ow can your lessons, curriculum and activities encourage
H
exploratory talk?
 hat would you like to hear in a group or pair conversation in your
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class and how can this be planned for in curriculum design?
 hy is this so important with ELLs?
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Hunter College MA in TESOL, Laura Baecher
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3. Classroom Discourse with ELLs
What are some of the variables that might lead to less
classroom talk?
 eacher discourse incomprehensible
T
 ew response opportunities
F
 ack of wait or processing time
L
 ultural beliefs about classroom talk
C
 ilent period—or belief that students cannot participate
S
 eacher talk dominates-75% and 25% student talk
T
 ature of IRE response patterns leads students to believe
N
they must have “right” answer
 ack of linguistic repertoire to communicate ideas
L
Hunter College MA in TESOL, Laura Baecher
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4. Teacher-Supported Discourse
What are some of the ways ESL
teachers can encourage classroom
talk?
 dapt discourse to make it more comprehensible
A
 istribute response opportunities
D
 uild in wait or processing time
B
 e explicit about classroom talk (the PUSH)
B
 o not prolong students’ “silent period”
D
 lan lessons and activities that make students talk 75%
P
 raft exploratory rather than display or “known-answer”
C
questions
 rovide the language needed and assist in student
P
elaboration
Hunter College MA in TESOL, Laura Baecher
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5. Planning to Extend ELL Classroom Talk
Appropriate
or
Correct
Response
Par&ally
Appropriate
or
Correct
Response
Incorrect
or
Inappropriate
Response
Ques&on
Response
in
Na&ve
Language
Another
Ques&on
No
Response
Hunter College MA in TESOL, Laura Baecher
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