Answer to Question #228796 in English for Zoe

Question

What are the benefits of using learner talk in the classroom

Answer 1

The benefits include;

1. Increases students’ interests and engagement – lectures mixed with discussions can help maintain students’ focus. As they discuss their answers, they get different perspectives on the topic. Good questions and answers can get students to think deeply and make connections.
2. Provides instructor with feedback – as students answer questions, instructors can gauge whether the students understand the materials. If a student answers the question incorrectly, instructors can then help students correct their answers.
3. Controls the classroom environment – if a student is not paying attention in class, the instructor can call upon them so he/she can focus in class better. As a result, students are more attentive to what’s happening during the lecture and discussion time.
4. Promotes preparation – if the instructor regularly engages students in a classroom discussion, then students are more likely to come in prepared in class such as asking questions about assigned readings.
5. Develops students’ speaking skills – in many professional settings, speaking in a group is essential. Instructors prepare students to speak confidently in front of their peers. Public speaking is a skill that improves with more practice. So when an instructor promotes classroom discussions, they are preparing their students for real-world settings.
6. Talk time builds connections between students- For most teachers, providing a safe learning environment for their students is one of their ultimate goals. Guiding students to practice their oral language skills with other students allows them to form relationships with one another and strengthens classroom community. 
7. Talk time helps students process their learning- Thinking and talking about content helps students integrate information into personal knowledge. In other words, talking about and explaining concepts out loud to someone else solidifies the learning in our minds.
8. Talk time allows students to learn from one another- Listening to how a peer thinks about a concept or uses language around a certain topic is beneficial for learners. And sometimes talking to a partner, rather than the whole group or in response to an adult, feels safer to kids.