Respond to the question Should i let them talk while they complete the task that i have set!
Rachel | (210.49.100.144) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 6:33:35 PM
I think it would depend on the activity that I had set for the class. I would expect that if I set a task for them to do independently, that they would work quietly. This is so the students have the opportunity to think for themselves and so that I can assess how each student is going. Depending on the classroom situation, I would probably not insist that they were completely silent. I would also attempt to set group work which would allow students to discuss issues with each other as this is important, not only to prevent boredom, but also so they can exchange and develop their ideas.
LIAU | (10.1.154.13) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 8:32:54 PM
I would consider the type of activity, whether it is individual or group, as mentioned by rachel. Another factor is the behaviour of the kids. If it was a class that was known to be rowdy and have discipline problems, I would still allow the kids to talk but I would be going around and monitor their progress to ensure that they were on-task.
Judith | (203.166.96.234) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 9:03:24 PM
I think that if the students are getting on with their work and they are not disturbing other people with their talk, then they should be allowed to talk. I have noticed that in the primary classes I have seen that they are often talking about the work or extensions of it. I think that being able to talk over their work makes tham happy and relaxed. I like it best when they sing while they work, which I saw a group of Year 1's do last year. I don't know if this approach would work with secondary kids.
Rebecca | (137.111.176.111) | Thursday, 9 May 2002 6:11:45 PM
I agree with the previous statements in that the type of work should indicate how much talking would be appropriate. To add to this I think that children learn more effectively when they are able to engage with others and talk through their ideas. As Liau mentioned, it is important to monitor exactly what the students are talking about to ensure that they are focused on the topic at hand, but also to correct any misconceptions that may have arisen. I do think it is important that groundrules be laid in this kind of classroom situation, where the students know that they are allowed to talk 'quietly' and will be reigned in if they abuse this or if they are disrupting other classmates.
Jessica | (203.45.114.219) | Saturday, 11 May 2002 3:54:58 PM
I feel that some level of appropriate discussion may be necessary depending on the circumstances. For example, if students are working on a group project. If they are working on single 'projects' then it may also be necessary if they were asking questions in response to the task, or they were discussing ideas (some kids need to talk through their response in order to examine them and perhaps refine them). As has been said, the ground rules for what is and is not appropriate do need to be established if this is to work, as well as teacher supervision. talk
Gaynor | (203.42.175.218) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 5:49:13 PM
I agree that allowing talking in class whilst an activity is completed is dependant upon the nature of the activity-whether it is individual or group work. If it is a situation where the chatter of others will disturb those who are working on the task, eg/ in individual work if they are having difficulty with it. I also think it depends on the actual class, as some studnets will discuss the topic and others will not. I think that in order to maintain some degree of classroom 'order' tasks need to be directed by the teacher as to whether there is discussion, and then discussions need to be checked/observed.
Gaynor | (203.42.175.218) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 5:49:23 PM
I agree that allowing talking in class whilst an activity is completed is dependant upon the nature of the activity-whether it is individual or group work. If it is a situation where the chatter of others will disturb those who are working on the task, eg/ in individual work if they are having difficulty with it. I also think it depends on the actual class, as some studnets will discuss the topic and others will not. I think that in order to maintain some degree of classroom 'order' tasks need to be directed by the teacher as to whether there is discussion, and then discussions need to be checked/observed.
Sue | (144.139.195.36) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 10:11:15 PM
I would let the students talk as long as the task was being achieved. As discussed above, some agreed rules and guidelines for each class would have to be set so the the student's know what is acceptable. I saw a year 11 maths class in progress - the teacher set the task and then made himself available to help. The class were allowed to talk but he would wander around checking their progress. He didn't take up time trying to keep them all quiet but let them get on with the work.
pierre | (129.78.64.5) | Sunday, 2 June 2002 5:13:26 PM
I believe that one ought to consider the purpose of the task assigned by the teacher and the context within which it takes place. The teacher may ask students to reflect on an idea following a lecture-like teaching. Talking could be ok as it helps students "relax "after a sustained effort. On the other hand the teacher may choose to "feature" an individual assignment task and require students to focus on their own thought process. In which case talking would not be allowed.
Ljiljana | (203.109.250.98) | Sunday, 16 June 2002 7:05:24 PM
I would definitely let students talk after they finished the set class task.It because i believe they would discass and share ideas regarding the task. It also would let them relax and easily move on to the next task.
Melissa Silk | (129.78.104.108) | Monday, 17 June 2002 1:41:43 PM
I would let the students talk if their talking was relevant to the topic and was not getting too boisterous. Even if they do stray off the topic, as long as they achieve the task set, a bit of talking is ok. Sometimes talking is a valuable way of bouncing off ideas and finding alternatives to your own opinions. This is valid in a cooperative learning situation. Talking would not be appropriate during a test or when others are delivering a presentation. However, this is just a facet of good manners.
Danielle Smith | (129.78.104.206) | Monday, 17 June 2002 1:42:40 PM
I would definately let them talk if the work that has been set involves group discussion as long as the level of conversation was kept at a normal level & I would be observing to see that each group was discussing the task set.
Daria Galic | (210.8.232.4) | Monday, 24 June 2002 9:47:46 AM
I agree with others that the type of activity should indicate how much talking is appropriate. For instance, if they have to do something individually eg. exam etc. they should not be allowed to talk. However, if they are doing something in a group it would be really inappropriate to not let them talk.
Magno da Silva | (172.17.70.113) | Sunday, 21 September 2003 1:36:01 PM
Common sense should always take place in these situations. I would let them talk about the activity they are doing. They always learn while they interact with each other. Sometimes teachers are so worried about classroom management that they forget what and how students should learn. Again,the talking activity should be always appropriate.