THINKING TOGETHER - work of Neil Mercer, Open University

Encouraging effective talk - research suggested that there were 3 (relevant...) types of talk which took place in the classroom:

• Disputational
• Consensual
• Exploratory

How to talk more effectively: lessons first, then devise activities for Geography. Uses the idea of proximal development: the benefits of working with others. Need to agree the ground rules for talk. Once agreements have been produced, need to

Fits in with the Key Stage 3 strategy and also the various whole school projects which are being introduced:

Assessment for Learning

Leading in Learning: work of David Leat

Literacy and Learning: improvements in literacy skills will improve performance in all subjects

ICT across the Curriculum

Groups of 3 work best: mixed gender / ability

Teacher intervention very important. Teacher also needs to model talk. It is also suggested that the optimal group size is 3. This could be mixed or single gender / ability.

Book: "Thinking together in Geography" - Badger Publishing

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