Let them talk

Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn’s 2019 article she discusses the importance of talking in the classroom. She describes the differences and thoughts behind talking 200 years ago, maybe even as late a... See More

Elizabeth Barrett-Zahn’s 2019 article she discusses the importance of talking in the classroom. She describes the differences and thoughts behind talking 200 years ago, maybe even as late as 50 years ago, and today. When schools were first in session, talking from students was greatly frowned upon. Then schools moved to just answer the question with the correct answer. Finally in today’s schools teachers talking too much is frowned upon. Barrett-Zahn suggest that when students speak, they are developing life skills. They are able to learn from each other, listen to each other, and synthesize information. Although I am no longer a classroom teacher I do find this method of student led discussions to be beneficial. Like Barrett-Zahn suggest, student talking and interacting is another form of learning, and a way to assess. When I was in the classroom I would always listen to my students conversations and I could hear them correcting each other or discussing ideas based on what we had previously discovered. Sometimes students are the best teachers. They can relay information in a more meaningful manner to their peers.