Exploratory talk

Douglass Barnes says “exploratory talk is hesitant and incomplete because it enables the speaker to try out ideas, hear how they sound, see what others make of them.”

In this type of talk there is a sense of collaboration and shared purpose. You could be trying to reach a shared agreement or solve a problem.

Contributions are treated with respect.

Pupils offer reasons for their opinions.

Pupils are not afraid to challenge one another’s ideas politely.

In exploratory talk you might hear:

• To challenge what you said…
• Do you mean…
• How about…
• Linking to what X said…
• Is it like when…

Exploratory talk is messy talk, where pupils grapple with the meaning to make it their own. It is the most educationally productive talk, helping to develop understanding and move learning forward.

• To challenge what you said…
• Do you mean…
• How about…
• Linking to what X said…
• Is it like when…

Exploratory talk is messy talk, where pupils grapple with the meaning to make it their own. It is the most educationally productive talk, helping to develop understanding and move learning forward.

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