by: Tyler Wedemeier & Shannon Quandahl, Instructional Coaches "Alright students, now turn and talk with your elbow partner about __________" is a common phrase heard in many classrooms. This "turn and talk" strategy gives students the opportunity to communicate their ideas as well as hear the ideas of their peers. In a recent Forbes article, Senior Contributor Natalie Wexler offers an interesting point of view on this timeless instructional strategy. As the two us reflected on this instructional strategy, having students "turn and talk" gave them the opportunity to discuss what the larger group was talking or reading about. When we read the article, we both laughed at the discussion scenarios Wexler described: - Students having a lively discussion about a topic that has nothing to do with what they are supposed to be talking about - Students having a discussion about the intended topic but saying things that don't make a lot of sense. - On student holding forth while a partner just listens-or stares into space - Both students staring into space, waiting for the teacher to say that time is up - The only group having a meaningful conversation is the one the teacher is kneeling by Having students work together or communicate their ideas can be very powerful and engaging. Wexler cites a meta-analysis of 71 studies in the U.S. and Great Britain where researchers have confirmed this theory; however, turning and talking isn't enough. Researchers concluded teachers need to give students guidelines that require them to debate, negotiate, and understand their partner's perspective. A second twist to the "turn and talk" strategy is making sure students understand what they are discussing. If students are still unaware of the topic, they make not have a perspective to share. They may also share misconceptions their neighbor cannot deny or correct. So what is a solution? Writing requires much of the same cognitive work that boosts comprehension and retention of information as explaining, Wexler points out. Another benefit of writing is the reduction of noise which results in turn and talk. This may help noise sensitive students process and contribute their thoughts. A third benefit is the reduction of what Wexler calls, "social loafing" - students sitting back and letting their peer do the work. The caveat is writing is far more difficult than talking to a neighbor. This post is not saying teachers should abandon this collaborative strategy. Rather than "turn and talk", a nice change of pace might be having students "reflect and write" on their thinking paper, Google Doc, or Collaborative App (see below).
2 Comments
Nicolle Korsness
4/21/2020 11:07:58 am
Thank you for this blog. Teachers use this strategy all the time and I can see that it gives students lots of opportunities to discuss what the class was talking or reading about as a whole. Even perhaps ask their perhaps about the topic if they are not understanding something. Communicating with their peers is a great way to learn from each other and have the students engage with peers they may normally not. Thanks for the information!
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DeAnn Leeps
4/29/2020 09:39:16 am
I see teachers use "turn and talk" in their classrooms everyday. I agree with Wexler's viewpoint of what really happens when this strategy is used. Peer discussion and understanding is important and she has great suggestions on this collaborative strategy.
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