Let’s begin with what we already know!
From what we have already learned in our previous classes, we know classroom talk affects the culture, discourse, relationships, and other variables in the classroom.
- The culture is affected by attitude, motivation, and knowledge which can be expressed and established through talk both explicitly and implicitly.
- It expresses discourse which varies among different disciplines. It is influenced by home, school, and other institutions.
- Classrooms function best when they run on understanding build through relationships, which require communication. Talk is one form of communication.
- It’s an essential tool that can be used in activities and structures that are required to attain concepts (used when explaining or exploring).
- Can be influenced by more than just the teacher (students, tv, culture).
- It’s not always about the semantic features of what you say, but also how you say it. So much more than just the words you say, also has to do with facial features, the tone you use, etc..
What do we want to know?
- Who are the experts on classroom talk philosophies, methods, or strategies?
- What kinds of behavior management strategies benefit classroom talk?
- When is an appropriate time for students to talk?
- Why does the way we talk in the classroom pertain to classroom management?
- How can we facilitate good classroom talk?
In other words, what are different classroom management strategies, methods, and philosophies that (pertain to classroom talk) help teachers to monitor, inspire, or motivate student talk?
Articles
Davies, M., Kiemer, K., & Meissel, K. (2017). Quality talk and dialogic teaching—an examination of a professional development programme on secondary teachers’ facilitation of student talk. British Educational Research Journal,43(5), 968-987. doi:10.1002/berj.3293 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/berj.3293
Johnston, P., Ivey, G., & Faulkner, A. (2011). Talking in class: Remembering what is important about classroom talk. The Reading Teacher,65(4), 232-237. https://ila.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/TRTR.01033
Kieff, J. (2005). Let’s talk about friendship: An anti-bias unit on building classroom community. Childhood Education, 82(2), 98. https://houghtoncollegelibrary.on.worldcat.org/oclc/425374880
Prusak, K. A., Vincent, S. D., & Pangrazi, R. P. (2005). Teacher Talk. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 76(5), 21–25. doi: 10.1080/07303084.2005.10608249 https://search.proquest.com/docview/215757857?accountid=11488
van der Veen, C., van der Wilt, F., van Kruistum, C., van Oers, B., & Michaels, S. (2017). MODEL2TALK: An Intervention to Promote Productive Classroom Talk. Reading Teacher, 70(6), 689–700. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1573
Wolf, M. K., Crosson, A. C., & Resnick, L. B. (2005). Classroom Talk For Rigorous Reading Comprehension Instruction. Reading Psychology, 26(1), 27–53. doi: 10.1080/02702710490897518 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02702710490897518
Let's Talk About Talk 
Katie, I love how you guys talked about using classroom talk to form relationships with students. Relationships are so important in building a positive classroom climate and making our school day most productive. I think your question is very nicely developed, covering a wide range of topics that pertain to your subject. I am excited for the articles you will be reading. I found the part of your question asking about the experts on the topic interesting. I don’t think it’s something I would have thought of, but it is important to know who knows what they are talking about!
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Jordan, I’m really excited to see some of your research and findings surrounding this topic. I think student talk can be a really crucial tool in the classroom to guide understanding for everyone involved. Do you think it’s important far all students to participate and be engaged in classroom talk? What about students are aren’t comfortable talking in front of their peers or are shy? How can we help them become comfortable if it is so important?
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Jan, I love this topic you guys are diving into! It seems like you already have a good understanding of classroom talk. The two questions you posted that you are going to seek to answer sound very interested to me. “Why does the way we talk in the classroom pertain to classroom management? How can we facilitate good classroom talk?” Classroom management is something everyone needs help with so I am very anxious to hear what you guys find.
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