In this week's blog post, I had the opportunity to listen to a podcast episode by TTELT (Teaching Tips for English Language Teachers) titled "Increase Student Talk Time" with guest speaker Courtney Miles. As an English language fellow, Courtney shared valuable strategies and tips on how to encourage students to open up and share their experiences in the classroom.
In this blog reflection, I will discuss the usefulness of the episode, the key learnings I gained, the effectiveness of the episode's title, and how I envision applying these tips in a real classroom setting.
The Usefulness of the Episode
The podcast episode proved to be highly useful as it shed light on an essential aspect of teaching: increasing student talk time. Courtney's insights and experiences helped me realize the significance of utilizing the initial minutes of class more effectively.
By diversifying the questions we ask students during this time, we can encourage them to engage in meaningful discussions and share their thoughts and experiences with one another. Courtney's emphasis on creating an environment where there is no right or wrong answer was particularly insightful, as it promotes student confidence and active participation.
Key Learnings
From the episode, I learned the importance of incorporating open-ended questions and deeper inquiries into class discussions. Instead of repeatedly asking basic questions like "How was your weekend?" or "What did you do today?", we should encourage students to think critically and express their opinions on topics relevant to the lesson.
By doing so, we not only increase student talk time but also promote vocabulary development, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Furthermore, the idea of using interactive games, such as "Two Truths and a Lie," was intriguing as it encourages students to share unique aspects of themselves, promotes deeper connections, and allows for the introduction of vocabulary related to the lesson's theme.
Effectiveness of the Episode Title
The episode's title, "Increase Student Talk Time," was indeed interesting enough to capture my attention. As a teacher, one of my ongoing goals is to foster active participation and create an engaging classroom environment.
The title immediately resonated with this objective and piqued my curiosity to explore the strategies shared by Courtney. It effectively conveyed the central theme of the episode and its relevance to my teaching practice.
Application in the Real Classroom
After listening to the podcast episode, I can envision applying these tips in my real classroom. First and foremost, I will focus on asking open-ended and deeper questions that encourage students to think critically and express their opinions.
By integrating these questions into the beginning of each class, I aim to establish a routine that motivates students to actively participate and creates a positive learning atmosphere. I will also incorporate interactive games, such as "Two Truths and a Lie," to encourage students to share unique aspects of themselves and foster connections within the class.
Furthermore, I recognize the importance of adapting these strategies to fit the specific dynamics of my classroom. Considering factors like class duration and student age, I will carefully plan when and how to implement these techniques.
By making student talk time a regular and expected part of the classroom routine, I hope to cultivate a sense of confidence and enthusiasm among my students.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the TTELT podcast episode on increasing student talk time with Courtney Miles as a guest provided valuable insights and practical tips for promoting active student participation. I learned the significance of asking open-ended questions, engaging in deeper discussions, and utilizing interactive games.
The episode's title effectively captured the essence of the content, drawing my attention from the start. I am excited to apply these strategies in my own classroom, fostering an environment where students feel empowered to express their thoughts, share experiences, and develop their language skills.
