Student Talk in the Classroom: Principles for Effectiveness

In the video below, Harvey Daniels lays out the research and big ideas for the successful use of collaborative structures in the classroom. The symbiotic relationship between collaboration and comprehension is the engine that drives an inquiry-based classroom. Small groups work when we share a repertoire of strategies that help them operate effectively. Proficient adults have specific social skills that we depend on unconsciously and automatically. Students however lack these skills. We need to explicitly teach them these skills.

In this video, Daniels shares the seven social skills that must be taught for effective collaboration. Being responsible to the group. That means showing up on time. Having your materials and being prepared and being ready to go to work. Listening actively. Wait for your turn. Don’t talk over others. Speak up. Take your trun on stage and make your point. Listen, share the air, encourage others. Support your views and findings. Give reasons for your ideas. Go back to the text and explain the basis of your beliefs. Show tolerance and respect. When disagreeing we want to do that agreeably, disagree, but remain friends. Reflect and correct. We need to save time to self-evaluate group efforts. What did we do well, what did we struggle with, what are we going to work on to be more effective next time? Daniels suggests that educators reflect on this important question about instructional practice: “Am I giving kids every possible invitation to become good talkers and to be comfortable in a group discussion and be comfortable on stage?” He adds that in life it is pretty helpful to be able to speak up and be part of a conversation and not be dominated by others. As teachers we want to make it as comfortable as possible for kids to speak up.