The Importance of Talking

I walked back to my apartment with a student last week, discussing with her the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam. For foreign students, the TOEFL is #1 priority for getting into US universities, as "good" scores are required before the application is even considered.

I asked her, "What can I do in math class to help you get ready for TOEFL?" Her response was not quite what I expected. I knew that having them present problems, as required in a discussion-based classroom, was important, as were my efforts to correct their English. What I didn't realize was the importance of my speaking.

Harkness/Discussed-based classrooms put a premium on student speaking, and I can certainly see how important this is, in any learning situation. However, second-language learners also need to hear the language spoken properly to pick up on the many nuances, particularly in English. My efforts to get them to speak and listen to one another are certainly worthwhile; however, my situation is unique in that they need to hear me a fair amount, also.

The goal remains the same - do what is the best for your students. So, while their discussion (primarily through presentation) remains at the top of the list, my speaking has moved up the list to further help them in an area of need.

Interestingly, in using Exeter's math materials, for which I don't have the answers, my presentations are often prefaced with, "Now remember, I don't have the answers. So you may well need to correct me as you know how I make mistakes." Correcting my mistakes, or challenging my methods (and often showing me another, usually easier, way), is equally valuable. Just because I'm speaking doesn't mean they're not thinking and learning.