Mike’s Blog
Strategies, Ideas and Insights for Teachers and Leaders
Category: Talk, Discussion and Oracy
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A reminder of why think-pair-share works and how easy it is to use as the basis of discussion
Think-Pair-Share Discussion Strategy: Explanation Think-Pair-Share can stand alone, or it can be used within other types of discussion. As a method, its purpose is to provide a safe, accessible way…
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Use ‘rotating stations’ to get learners motivated to learn about new ideas and information in your lessons
Rotating Stations Discussion Strategy: Explanation Set up six or seven separate stations in your classroom. Each should have something that will stimulate discussion. Examples include: In addition to the stimulus…
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Build dialogue, engagement and discussion while you teach with nothing more than a pack or two of post-it notes
Post-It Dialogues Discussion Strategy: Explanation This discussion has non-verbal and verbal elements. It requires enough Post-it notes for everyone in the class (and, ideally, everyone will have multiple notes). Begin…
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Become a television chat show host in your classroom and create the kind of discussion opportunities you and your learners just can’t get anywhere else
Television Chat Show Discussion Strategy: Explanation Set the room up as follows. Place one chair at the front. This is the presenter’s chair. Next to that, angled-in slightly, place three…
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Why is radio phone-in a great discussion tool any teacher can use to develop oracy and collaborative learning?
Radio Phone-In Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity uses the set-up of a radio show to create committed, in-depth discussion. Begin by dividing the class into four or five groups then…
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Channel Mel Gibson in Braveheart and give your learners the freedom they desire during your next classroom discussion
Free Discussion Discussion Strategy: Explanation Many discussion activities are heavily structured. This is to ensure learners get the most out of discussion, stay on task, and are challenged in a…
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Make use of this age-old drama technique to quickly and effortlessly stimulate discussion, minimal planning required
Freeze-Frame Discussion Strategy: Explanation A freeze-frame is a dramatic device. It is a point at which the ‘camera’ has stopped. The before and after are not seen by the audience,…
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Create a goldfish bowl in your lesson, stand back, and watch the impact of peer modelling unfold before your eyes
Goldfish Bowl Discussion Strategy: Explanation A goldfish swims about in its bowl, visible to anyone who walks past. The glass is no defence against the prying eyes of the world!…
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Why a little bit of distance can transform who speaks in your classroom, and how confident they feel to do so
Distancing Discussion Strategy: Explanation Some topics can be difficult for learners to discuss because the material is too personal. Equally, some topics can evoke feelings and emotions that inhibit discussion.…
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How can you use hot-seating to engage learners, develop their confidence, and boost the quality of their speaking and listening?
Hot-Seating Discussion Strategy: Explanation Hot-seating is a dramatic device where learners face questions from their peers and the teacher. The version we’ll look at sees learners invited to take on…