Talking Classrooms: Shaping Children's Learning Through Oral Language Instruction

The previous role of students as passive consumers of knowledge has been redefined through active discussion in today's more democratic classrooms. However, the actions and attitudes of teachers are still paramount in keeping student talk lively, focused, and challenging. The international authors of Talking Classrooms: Shaping Children's Learning Through Oral Language Instruction examine these changes and challenges from several different perspectives.

The theoretical foundations for the changes in classroom talk are examined in the first several chapters, and then applied in practical situations in a variety of classroom activities. Through a wide assortment of vignettes and transcripts, the authors demonstrate the changing nature of children's talk in the writing circle, reading conference, ESL classroom, and round-table discussion. Suggestions are provided in the form of activities that will encourage children's creative talk, and new ideas are offered for the assessment of this quick-changing form of communication and learning.

Talking Classrooms offers a variety of viewpoints relevant to teachers and researchers who are interested in the practical application of the theory and philosophy behind oral language instruction. This book's unique perspective will serve as a guide to anyone who wants to learn more about the power of the spoken word in literacy learning.

Patricia G. Smith is Senior Lecturer on the Faculty of Education, Language, and Community Services at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora Campus, Victoria, Australia.