Mike’s Blog
Strategies, Ideas and Insights for Teachers and Leaders
Category: Talk, Discussion and Oracy
-
What makes ‘value continuum’ a memorable activity to use in classroom discussion and as part of your planning?
Value Continuum Discussion Strategy: Explanation A continuum is a link between two things. It usually spans a large range and often encompasses all possible positions regarding a topic. In our…
-
Use the old-fashioned design of jigsaws to put teamwork front and centre when learners are discussing in your lessons
Jigsawing Discussion Strategy: Explanation This task promotes teamwork and sees learners working with a variety of different people. Begin by dividing the class into groups of four. Provide each group…
-
Send learners around the classroom, retain control of behaviour, and realise the benefits of discussion, all through one tried and tested activity
Envoys Discussion Strategy: Explanation The room is set up so that there are a series of pods, each of which is occupied by a group of three or four learners.…
-
Why putting learners into groups of three creates the perfect opportunity for focussed listening that everyone can access
Listening Triads Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity is highly structured. Listening is given prominence and learners get an opportunity to take on different roles. Divide the class into groups of…
-
A way to structure discussion that uses nothing more than a set of cards to achieve outstanding impact
Card Talk Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity uses cards to encourage learners to discuss different aspects of a topic. You can use it with pairs or groups. Create a set…
-
The number one way any teacher can use snow to plan and deliver effective discussion, even in the middle of summer
Snowballing Discussion Strategy: Explanation Imagine a snowball rolling down a snow-covered hill. The more it travels the more mass it picks up. As it progresses, the snow that is in…
-
Discover how to use the colours of the rainbow to structure effective, meaningful and engaging discussions in your classroom
Rainbow Groups Discussion Strategy: Explanation This activity generates two discussions. In the first, a series of different groups discuss different topics. In the second, the members of those groups disband…
-
What is a community of enquiry and how can savvy teachers use this discussion strategy to engage their learners?
Community of Enquiry Discussion Strategy: Explanation A community of enquiry is a democratic way of developing discussion. Due to how it works, it tends to increase learner motivation. The room…
-
How sitting learners in a circle presents multiple opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills
Circle Time Discussion Strategy: Explanation Arrange the room so all the tables are moved to one side and the chairs are set out in a circle. Learners and teacher take…
-
Six ways you can take what learners say and use it to improve the quality of the discussions you have with them
One of the assessments a teacher must make during any discussion activity is when to intervene and, particularly, when to do things with what learners say. Often, the best option…