Effective Dialogue

Techniques for fostering effective

dialogue in the classroom

Effective Dialogue

AfL can only operate effectively in classrooms where there is a climate of trust and openness.

One key factor needed to develop such a climate is effective dialogue.

The aim of this section is to share some techniques that can lead to effective dialogue.

Effective Dialogue

Teacher, pupil, pupil, pupil, pupil, pupil, teacher, pupil, pupil, pupil, teacher

Teacher, pupil, Teacher, pupil, Teacher, pupil,

Teacher, pupil, Teacher, pupil, Teacher, pupil

Netball not ping-pong

Effective Dialogue

Be a role model

Constantly demonstrate how to respond to student answers.

Show how to reflect, treat answers with respect, when to offer support and how to deal with bizarre answers.

Effective Dialogue

Make use of resources

Try and find a good resource to stimulate discussion.

Effective Dialogue

Wait timeThe teacher does not give immediate feedback on student comments – this gives other students chance to think and respond. Longer wait time needed for higher order questions.

Effective Dialogue

No hands up

The teacher selects the contributor to ensure that everyone plays a part.

When a student cannot/will not answer say you will come back to them later.

Effective Dialogue

Listen in on paired and group work

Pick up ideas from groups and then draw upon them in whole class discussions.

Effective Dialogue

Teacher cues

Teachers should prompt responses but not shape them. e.g. Does anyone have anything to add? Does anyone disagree with that?

Effective Dialogue

Use “Rich” Questions

High-order question require more thought and demand longer responses. This can lead to richer dialogue.

Effective Dialogue

Break down big questions

It may be necessary to break down big questions into smaller, but nonetheless meaningful questions. Use the answers from the smaller questions to build up an answer to the original question.

Effective Dialogue

Correct answers

Never accept a correct answer without some explanation or reasoning. This checks understanding, stimulates discussion and helps other students understand the topic.

Effective Dialogue

Wrong answers

Use wrong or partially correct answers to stimulate discussion and challenge misconceptions.

Feed additional information to students who make mistakes and then encourage them to rethink their ideas.

Effective Dialogue

Acknowledge risk

Acknowledge and value the fact that students are willing to take risks when answering questions. Encourage students to build on risky answers.