I would let them talk because it is a form of co-operative learning where they can help each other and learn (academically and socially)from each other as we do in this course. Surely it doesn't matter if the work is completed with a desired result. The teacher would have to control the pitch of the noise and this would cause less problems than insisting on complete silence.
Maria | (211.28.101.170) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 4:39:28 PM
After i had explained the task and answered any questions i would allow quiet discussion time for the students to get other students opinions. Then after an amount of time i would ask that the task be completed on their own, with no talking. This way there is co-operative learning between the students and also time for the student to learn to think on their own.
Trent | (203.40.30.252) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 4:52:02 PM
I would allow the students to talk quietly while completing their work because the social interaction at school is just as important as the content they learn. Allowing them to talk though is also a privilege that the teacher can take away from the students. If the talking became too loud and they wouldn’t quieten down after they were asked, then the teacher has the ability to make them work in silence.
Cass | (63.34.226.246) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 6:48:40 PM
I would allow the students to talk as long as their discussion was constructive and on-the-subject and they were pooling and sharing their ideas, rather than a couple of people dominating and others not participating. I would spend time monitoring, moving between the groups, observing their interaction and checking their discussion was relevant. I agree that if they demonstrated, one way or another, that they couldn't work together cooperatively, they would have to work on their own in silence.
Lucy | (202.67.64.132) | Tuesday, 7 May 2002 6:57:13 PM
Yes, I would definately let them talk. Like Trent, I believe the social interaction at school is as important as the actual learning of content. Students can also help eachother with the work. Also, the teenages in my house commented that it makes time go more quickly when you a doing work that the students are not very interested in. However, talking needs to be restricted to immediate neighbours, with no shouting across the classroom etc. As long as the work gets done, who needs silence?
Sally | (203.54.171.172) | Thursday, 9 May 2002 2:49:18 PM
I agree with most people. I don't see the harm in talking as long as its not disruptive to the other students and they get their work done. I would even allow a certain amount of chat about unrelated topics as long as this didn't get too out of hand and the students were still able to concentrate on the work at hand.
Andrew Jamieson | (129.78.64.5) | Friday, 10 May 2002 11:35:52 AM
I also think it is important to let the students talk/interact while they are working (providing they don't disrupt others in the class). It allows students to discuss and verbalise about what their learning (if you can explain it or talk about it you are more likely to understand the subject). Talking also lets the students have a break from concentrating on you talking up the front and if allowed within boundaries (ie noise level) can let out the stress so their less likely to talk when they've completed the task - hopefully!
Pierre | (129.78.64.5) | Friday, 10 May 2002 9:28:47 PM
Letting them talk is opening wide open the door to vulnerability. It is a lot more challenging to maintain some form of order when students are to take an active role in the process of "learning making" than when just beeing commanded,(do this do that...). Communication between teacher and students would have to be very efficient.
Libby Strugnell | (144.134.96.219) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 1:17:26 PM
I would let them talk too. However, to ensure the work actually gets done i would make them hand it in at the end of the lesson, simply because if we talked at school, we didnt do much work. Also, noise levels would have to be addressed, some kids want to work, and it is simply not fair on them to have crowd level noise in the classroom, and nor is it fair on other classes in the hall.
Libby | (144.134.96.219) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 1:20:55 PM
and also, the talk would have to be on topic, and i know that with teenagers this ia virtually impossible, so like Cass i would be walking around the room and monitering what ppl are saying
Alison | (203.27.69.91) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 4:00:23 PM
I think that they should be able to talk as long as it is constructive, on the topic and not affecting their work. To try and keep them completly silent would create resentment especially if they were still working whilst talking.
Ossama Harris | (10.0.22.167) | Sunday, 12 May 2002 7:46:05 PM
I Dont think there is a single answer one way or another. I Think it really
depends on the class,the time of day and day of the week, the subject and the
assigned task and the teachers relationship of trust with the students. Depending all those varibles my answer
would go from Complete Silence to restricted and monitored talk to putting
no restrictions whatsoever.
Louise | (10.1.153.87) | Wednesday, 5 June 2002 10:04:57 PM
I believe that, by letting the calss talk quietly amongst themselves, particularly in a high school setting, you are treating them like responsible adults which is what they want. It is fundamental, though, that you as a teacher are aware of what discussion is taking place and that the students are being responsible for their own educational opportunities. Like any other activity, the students must be made aware that if they abuse this priviledge it will be taken away from them.
Todd | (202.138.18.44) | Friday, 30 August 2002 5:41:15 PM
hey all
Todd | (202.138.18.44) | Friday, 30 August 2002 5:42:52 PM
any1 in here?
Todd | (202.138.18.44) | Friday, 30 August 2002 5:44:08 PM
k cya
Lindsay | (205.188.209.5) | Tuesday, 3 June 2003 8:24:06 AM
I do think student of a mature nature shold be able to have conversations amongst themselves as long as it does not interfere with their classwork!
ANonomous | (205.188.209.5) | Tuesday, 3 June 2003 8:25:24 AM
FUCK ASLL THOSE DAMN BITCHES AND HOES NIGGA