Speak Up!Strategies to Encourage Authentic and Effective Discussions in the ELL

Classroom

Maura Nugent

A Roadmap for the next hour…

• Defining discussion• Initial thoughts • Why discussion matters• Principles of effective discussion• Discussion activities• Q + A

Discussion

• “the act of talking about something with another person or a group of people”

• “the action or process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas”

• “consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate”

Spectrum Discussion

• I often use discussion activities in my ELL classroom

• I know multiple strategies or activities to create good discussion in my classroom

• Discussion cannot and should not be assessed• The biggest barrier to good discussion in an ELL

classroom is student self confidence• Speaking ability is the most important skill we

can develop for English language learners

Think-Pair-Share

Why is discussion important in an ELL

classroom?

Why is discussion important in an ELL classroom?

• Student engagement and motivation• Opportunity for holistic and authentic

language use• Ability to participate in discussions is one of

the most important tools we can empower our students with – no matter where they go next

Effective discussions can…

• Lessen the barriers of self-consciousness• Enable students to learn from each other• Increase skills in multiple areas including:

writing, reading, pronunciation, listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar knowledge, etc.

Silent Discussion

What are some principles that guide effective discussions?

What things should be considered when using discussion in an ELL classroom?

What advice would you give a teacher who wants to use discussion in his/her ELL

classroom?

Know your students whenchoosing topics

• Choose what students will want to, even need to talk about

• Develop based on knowledge of your specific students’ interests and passions

• Be thoughtful about “controversial” topics

• Know what your students will need in terms of structure

Be purposeful in structuring the discussion

• Discussion activities versus open-ended, loose-format discussion• Ensure everyone’s voice is heard:

grouping, guidelines/norms, eliciting responses• Again, know your students!

Be explicit about discussion goals and structures with students

• Physical arrangement of classroom• Establishing guidelines/ norms• Teach principle of “step up” and

“step back”• Goal = communication and fluency• Assessment

Discussion Activities• Spectrum Discussion• Think-Pair-Share• Silent Discussion• Four Corners• A/D Statements• Read and Say Something• Student Generated Questions• Collaborative Decision Making• Mini-debates• Speed Discussing• Discussion Circles• Silent Discussion• Go-Around