Better Listeners and Speakers

I believe that students today do have a harder time carrying on a conversation with others, due to so much of their communication taking place through text, tweets, Facebook, or even through online games and chats.  I find that they are awkward when placed in small groups in person to have discussions about their writing or topic being studied.  I was happy to find out that I am on the right track to promoting better communicators, according to an article that I read on Edutopia today. The article, Teaching Your Students How to Have a Conversation by Dr. Allen Medler, shared 8 ways to encourage good listening and speaking.  In my class, I am currently encouraging "Turn-Taking", by passing a small stuffed animal to whoever will be doing the talking while the others practice listening.  I also try to "model a good conversation" and encourage visual cues by using "SLANT" in my classroom.  SLANT stands for Sit up, Listen, Ask Questions, Nod to show interest, and Track the speaker with your eyes.  I am going to add Medler's "Put thinking ahead of knowing" next, which is the practice of having "students wonder out loud or speculate about a response by having them say 'I'm not sure about that, but I think_____'".  This is a much better skill to cultivate, rather than the "I don't know" response some students give because they fear being wrong.  I encourage all my fellow educators to read this article and evaluate themselves on how they are cultivating better listeners and speakers in their classrooms.

Medler, Dr. Allen. Teaching Your Students How to Have a Conversation.  Edutopia. Online Article.  5 Nov 2013.