Use a variety of talk formats — whole-class, small group, and pair work — strategically to encourage participation¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The primer recommends choosing among whole-group discussions, small group work, and pair work to achieve different learning goals and encourage participation from all students. Whole-class practice lets teachers model and set norms and gives students think time; pair practice builds active listening skills; small group work provides space to share ideas and practice academic language before whole-class participation.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Explain the purpose of each format, change up members in pairs and small groups, and remind students of the larger goals of turn taking and knowledge building

Constraints¶

• The primer notes small group and pair work can still feel intimidating to students, particularly if students perceive a mismatch of knowledge or skills

Target Learners¶

• K-12 STEM students, including English language learners and students with disabilities

Target Learning Goals¶

• broadened participation, active listening, practice with academic language

Related Strategies¶

• Class Discussion Facilitation

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Schank, P., Jenks, L., Barth, C., Crawford, C., Powers, K., & Fusco, J. (2025, May). Classroom Discourse. Digital Promise. https://doi.org/10.51388/20.500.12265/250