Communicative coaching or teaching has reached another dimension these days. It is not like that, teachers are explaining things and the students are just listening. Teaching nowadays is more based on conventional dialogic techniques. Teachers are now using Q&A sessions, recaps, taking feedback, and reformulations in the classroom.
So, how do we experience the Teacher talk vs student talk in the classroom? It is not only limited to the classroom environment but also any educational program. Now teachers are talking to students via podcasts and video live classes. Classes on any topic come to a discussion session these days. So, come on, Let’s know more about it.
Teacher talk vs Student talk method
Now teachers are more communicative and eager to know if the students are understanding the matters. So, they elaborate things and ask students for their feedback. Then, the students give feedback about the topic and inform which points they need specific input.
These days classes are not limited to a real classroom environment. Do you know how does a teacher helps the Community? There are podcasts and live sessions that viewers cum students can enjoy. The student-to-teacher talking ratio has improved. Now students not only talk they also want to know details. They ask questions, give their observations, and take teacher feedback. In this way, the conversion has improved. Teaching in the Middle and Secondary Schools is important to know everything as a student.
So, how did this process develop? One-sided teaching was not always effective. The students listened, they never communicated, and got a little bit of understanding. If they do not understand, they never tell that and the teacher has no idea how much the student has received.
Relationship between the teacher and student
It became necessary to make the teaching more effective. So, after several sessions teachers like Neil Mercer developed the system to take feedback and understand students’ realizations. In this way, the relationship between both the teacher and student gets better. Now students talk and give effective feedback when they want to know elaborately. In this way, the teachers started to use conventional dialogic techniques.
Now there are Q&A sessions, open discussions, student feedback, and reformulations in the classroom. Even their teacher and students are making podcasts, live sessions to reach the experience to all. In these sessions, the teacher talk time vs student talk time increased and was more effective. There are many effective ways to communicate with parents as a teacher.
Effective Talk groups
Teachers have developed different kinds of talk groups. But among them, the Mercer proposed three groups are very effective. There are life Teacher talk examples and student talk examples. So, come on, we tell you about these three most popular talk groups here.
Cumulative Talk
Here the listeners act normally on any topic. They listen to the topics, share their knowledge and understanding. The teacher gets feedback if the students are on the track or not. So, they repeat and discuss in different dimensions. This kind of talk group makes the discussion more fruitful and the students get the better benefit. It is more cooperative among the group members.
In Disputation
In this kind of talk group, everybody makes their decision. These are based on their understanding, disagreement, and constructive criticism.
In this way, the listeners understand from their own level of understanding. They have common discussions, place their arguments, and make their concept clear. It is comparatively more competitive, where everybody wants to establish their understanding with their own logic and information.
Explanatory Talk
Here the students attend the session; they listen to the topics and discussion properly. They can ask questions and share their information with the teacher.
Both the teacher and students can share their comments and observations. It becomes more collaborative and they can reach a decision. Here the agreement and trust act as the main relation between both.
How to increase engagement in Talk groups
Teacher and student talk need both side engagements. The teacher should be open-minded to discuss a topic in detail. He will ask the students about their understanding if they have any confusion or need any other information. The students should comply accordingly. They will ask questions, tell about their confusion and clear themselves. In this way, the students will have a better and vivid idea from the teacher.
In any case, if the teacher or the students hesitates or is not cooperating, these talk groups will not work. So, we need to make an approach from both sides. These days the teacher and student talk time is very important, so it should be disseminated among all to make it happen. To get something, we need to change ourselves.
Social changes towards Teacher and Student Talk
This is a matter of social changes that are going on between the teacher and student community. In fact, each of them is getting more dedicated and involved in learning. This matter of changing the learning dimension depends on the good relationship between teachers and students. So, this is a positive vibe for society.
There was a survey in 2019-2020, where a renowned survey firm in the USA conducted a silent study in the classroom. They calculated the total talk time of teachers and students. From that survey, they found that at the end of the year the Teacher Talk time ratio with Student talk time was 83:17. After 6 months of those sessions, there were more sessions conducted by the survey firm, they found the ratio had increased to 78:22.
These are the continuous changes these days in the classroom. The teaching method is changing, and the students are coming forward to know more. According to the Mercer method, the classrooms are more interactive and better performing. The environment has not changed, the learning process and the class delivery have also changed.
Worldwide context of Teacher and Student Talk
The scenario all over the world is not the same. The changes have already taken place in the USA, Canada, the western countries, the UK, Australia, and some European countries. But the other developing countries are not moving at the same pace. There are thousands of schools, colleges, and universities all over the world, where millions of students can benefit from this process.
The education systems of the developing countries of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia are not much advanced. They run the conventional classroom-based education where 97%-98% of talk time comes from the teacher. Here the students do not participate at all basically, there is no brand storming, discussion, or Q&A session at all. So, the students are not getting the right type of benefit here.
Teacher Talk vs. Student Talk
Imagine a classroom: not as a lecture hall, but as a concert hall with two distinct musicians – Teacher Talk and Student Talk. Each voice plays a crucial role in the melody of learning, but their tones and rhythms differ, creating a dynamic interplay.
Teacher Talk
- Exposition: The melody’s conductor, setting the stage with explanations, introducing new concepts, and guiding the flow of knowledge. It may include lectures, demonstrations, and structured questions.
- Instruction: The steady drumbeat of instructions, keeping the pace of learning, outlining tasks, and providing clear expectations. It’s essential for navigating activities and maintaining classroom order.
- Scaffolding: The supportive chords, offering hints, prompts, and differentiated approaches to bridge gaps in understanding and help students climb over intellectual hurdles.
Student Talk
- Exploration: The adventurous improvisations, where curiosity takes center stage. Students question, analyze, connect ideas, and build their own interpretations. It’s the voice of discovery, fueled by wonder and independent thought.
- Collaboration: The harmonious blend of voices, as students share ideas, build on each other’s thoughts, and learn from diverse perspectives. It’s the chorus of cooperation, promoting active listening, respect, and teamwork.
- Application: The practical rhythm, where knowledge is tested and transformed. Students explain their thinking, solve problems, and apply learning to real-world situations. It’s the voice of understanding, showing how concepts connect to their lives.
The Key Differences
- Direction: Teacher talk often tells, while student talk asks and reflects.
- Focus: Teacher talk emphasizes information transfer, while student talk prioritizes meaning-making and connection.
- Scope: Teacher talk provides the framework, while student talk fills it with individual interpretation and application.
The Perfect Harmony
The ideal classroom isn’t a solo performance, but a harmonious duet. When Teacher Talk offers guidance and Student Talk engages actively, a beautiful symphony of learning emerges. This balance fosters deeper understanding, promotes critical thinking, and empowers students to become confident collaborators and lifelong learners.
Some important FAQ
What is the difference between teacher talking time and student talking time?
Generally, the Teacher talk time is all the conversation the teacher does in the classroom to teach any topics. It is called the TTT. On the other hand, the Student talk time is also important, they will ask questions, discuss in the class and be clear about the reading topics.
What are the features of teacher talk?
Generally, a teacher talks on a few specific topics. They introduce new things or topics, correct misconceptions, repeat any topics, explain in detail, define any topics, provide examples, clarify to the audience, answer any question and encourage students. These are all common issues that cover the Teacher Talk.
How can I limit my teacher’s talking?
Controlling the teacher’s talking is quite complicated from the student’s view. As a student, I can ask about any issues that are not clear. We can discuss this in the classroom and maintain a quality conversation with the teacher.
Last words
We have discussed in detail the, Teacher talk vs student talk matter in this article. We have shared all our knowledge with you to give a clear concept. Hope you have enjoyed the discussion and can utilize it in your practical experience.