How can I make talk related activities more inclusive using the Thinking Together approach?

Abstract

This article looks at the Thinking Together approach as a way of generating more meaningful discussions in a class. It is the aim that once the Thinking Together approach has been adopted that the language and confidence of the class to speak openly will increase. The benefits should also see the class sharing their own language thus exposing children to other language bases. The action research undertaken was prompted by a number of experiences where clear language difficulties were preventing progression despite the children in question showing abilities that were not given opportunities to be expressed. After the action research had been completed and adopted, the class showed a number of improvements including being able to work as a group with a wider range of class members and being able to hold, develop and conclude discussions more effectively.