Mike’s Blog
Strategies, Ideas and Insights for Teachers and Leaders
Tag: oracy skills
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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What happens when expert teachers identify the purpose of discussion as part of their oracy planning?
It is important to identify the purpose behind a discussion as this allows the teacher to direct matters and to judge whether an activity has been successful. If you cannot…
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The number one simplest strategy any teacher can use to improve the quality of discussion in their classroom
Discussions often stall at the first stages. This is frequently because learners either do not want to say anything or do not feel they have anything worth contributing. We will…
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How can following up writing with discussion help improve outcomes and develop learner oracy?
Where discussion succeeds writing, both tasks should be seen as ends in themselves. Successful planning involves two activities that are closely connected. The connection should be easy for learners to…