Try using some talk prompts to make partner talk in your class more effective. This will help students to talk together, think together and stay on task. Here are a few simple suggestions to get you started:
What do you think?
Why do you think that?
It’s your turn.
What else do you think?
Display the prompts, or give out one between two. Remember to take time to model using them.
Ways to keep everyone engaged and develop the community of enquiry
A detailed description including building, helping, sharing and working together
Take a moment to check talk partner pairings to make sure no-one misses out on learning
Providing talk prompts to students can increase the quality of partner talk
Why giving out ‘talking objects’ is worth the hassle
Strategies to help as many pupils as possible access philosophical enquiry
The importance of taking a moment to look and listen carefully
More useful resources, including a Talk Tally to get pupils listening closely
Encouraging pupils to think more deeply in reflection and talk time
Three essential ingredients to ensure pupils have the confidence to speak in front of their peers
Generating dialogue, comparing concepts, deepening understanding.
