John Hertich HMI
“Literacy is, or ought to be,
a shared responsibility it is too important to leave to
English teachers.”
Why focus on effective group talk?
• Analysis of KS3 papers reveals the need to
improve powers of expression.
• Preparation for GCSE 2006
• Effective way to learn
Let them talk!
By the end of the session :
• Considered how group talk enhances learning.
• Analysed features of effective group talk.
• Discussed ways of organising group talk.
The Learning Pyramid
Retention
Lecture………………….5%
Reading……………. ….10%
Audio visual……….…..….20%
Demonstration…………...…30%
Discussion Group……….……50%
Practice by doing…………….. 75%
Teach others immediate use of learning..90%
Thanks to Research Materials & Prof. Tim Brighouse, Keele University
(Information based on research undertaken in Maine, USA)
Activity: What are the benefits of pupil group talk?
• Challenges pupils understanding thus increasing memory.
• Often communicate ideas more effectively with peers than teachers.
• Informs the teacher of pupil level of understanding ie supports AfL.
• Develops literacy skills which is a major obstacle to progress in science.
• It raises emotional involvement – develops interest.
• Adds variety to lessons. It models how science works ie supports ‘Ideas
and Evidence.’
• Develops social skills.
(VC – Reasons 1)
Activity: How would you know that group talk is
successful?
(VC-Pupils engaged in group talk 6,)
• Pupils facing one another
• Eye contact
• Views are valued by others
• Reasoning words used (why, what if, because)
• Pupils clear about point of discussion
Group Talk
Exploratory group talk is an effective way of using
language to think…the process of education should
ensure that every child is aware of its value and able
to use it effectively…
However, observational research evidence suggests
that very little of it naturally occurs in classrooms
when children work together in groups.’
From ‘Words and Minds: how we use language to think together’ Neil Mercer, 2000
Why is group talk uncommon in
Science lessons?
•
•
•
•
Pressure to deliver curriculum.
Nothing written down.
Loss of control.
May have failed in the past.
Golden rules for group talk sessions
• Teacher should take the time to introduce objectives/task
thoroughly.
• Pupils should be fully aware of the expected outcome.
• Assign roles & responsibilities.
• Seating arrangements and groups are planned in
advance.
• Time limit is given and kept short.
More Golden Rules
•
Tell the group how long they have for the task.
•
Teachers should answer most questions with leading
questions.
•
Teacher sitting when supporting group talk. Don’t loom
over the group as it will stifle conversation.
•
Pupils need to experience group talk regularly in order
to learn the skills required.
Possible Group activities
•
•
•
•
•
Pair work – Friendship Pairs or Talk Partners
Listening Triads
Boomerang
Envoys
Jigsaw
Teacher question directed at pairs
• Friendship pairs
or
Talk pairs
followed by
• Pairs to fours
Assign Roles & Responsibilities
Listening Triad
Talk Partner –
discuss topic
Talk Partner –
discuss topic
Listener/Observer
– make notes
to feed back on
which aspects were
effective
PMI – Plus, Minus, Interesting
Chocolate should only be available on prescription.
+ Plus
- Minus
Interesting
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The Task – 12- 15 minutes
6 Minutes – Listening Triad
1. The talk partners discuss the topic & complete the PMI grid,
including as many interesting points as possible.
The observer does not join in but makes notes on the talk
behaviours shown & what is effective
3 Minutes
2. Observer feeds back results
3 Minutes – Group of 3
3. All 3 discuss the effectiveness of the strategies –
PMI & Listening Triads & their potential to enhance learning in
Science
Topic:
Global
Warming
Jig Saws
1
2
Home
Group
3
4
1 What happens in GW –
Physical/climate changes
2 How do humans contribute?
3 What are the outcomes?
4 How can it be prevented?
Expert
Groups
1
1
1 What happens in
Global Warming –
Physical/climate
changes
1
1
Home
Group
1
2
3
4
1 What happens in GW –
Physical/climate changes
2 How do humans contribute?
3 What are the outcomes?
4 How can it be prevented?
Assign Roles & Responsibilities
Spokesperson
Scribe
Boomerang or
envoy
ACTIVITY
• Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the
different group talk techniques.
• Complete the table.
Group talk
activity
Friendship
pairs/observer
Talk
pairs/observer
Jigsaw
Boomerang
Envoy
Memory game
Benefits
Drawbacks
Classroom grouping - Choices
How could you run a group activity for
these issues?
• Nuclear power stations can solve the energy crisis.
• Considering the validity of evidence cards.
Evidence cards.
Mobile phones cause health problems.
Mobile phones
produce microwaves
Microwaves excite
water molecules
The body contains lots
of water
Some people who live
near mobile phone
masts complain of
headaches
Research shows that
there is an increased
chance of users
getting tumours in the
part of brain next to
the ‘phone’ ear.
Microwaves can
penetrate the skull of
a young child.
A small proportion of
users develop cancer.
Too much heat
destroys brain cells
Medical scans show
that microwaves affect
the brain.
• Setting up groups
(VC -5 How to run group talk, Teacher’s expectations)
• Group work spreadsheet
Talk as a preparation for writing.
Teach key words and phrases explicitly & model their use.
• Provide a useful phrase list:
The experiment was set up in order to…
It was evident that....
The prediction was tested by…
When ….was added …..occurred
The results indicate that….
ENCOURAGE THEM TO USE THIS LANGUAGE
ORALLY FIRST
Talk as a preparation for writing
(continued)
• Speak & use the phrases yourself many times - require same of
pupils
• Require them to practise speaking & writing words & phrases
over and over again.
• Try the Plenary Placemats to get you started.
PUPILS CAN ONLY WRITE IT
WHEN THEY CAN EXPRESS IT ORALLY.
Where to now?
• Devise a group talk activity on one of next term’s
topics using one of the techniques discussed.
• Feed back and share in department and hone
your skills.
Why teach Literacy as well as Science?
Because look what happens if you don’t!
Quotations from KS3 Science Tests:
“Water is composed of two gins,
oxygin and hydrogin.
Oxygin is pure gin and hydrogin is gin and water.”
“H20 is hot water & CO2 is cold water.”
“Germinate: to become a German.”
“Three kinds of blood vessels are arteries,
veins and caterpillars.”