A develepmental assessment approach to assessing and reporting students' speaking skills

Margaret Forster, ACER

Abstract

The previous role of students as passive consumers of knowledge has been redefined through active discussion in today's classrooms. However, the actions and attitudes of teachers are still paramount in keeping student talk lively, focused, and challenging. In Talking Classrooms: Shaping Children's Learning Through Oral Language Instruction, the international authors examine the theoretical basis for this fundamental change, and then demonstrate the applications of student talk in a variety of classroom settings. Practical suggestions are offered for activities that will encourage children's creative talk, and new ideas are offered for the assessment of this form of communication and learning. This book's unique perspective will serve as a guide for classroom teachers and anyone else who wants to learn more about the power of the spoken word in literacy learning.