Talk is fundamental to the academic success of all learners. For EAL learners, interaction with competent speakers of English has been found to be one of the strongest motivational forces for learning. Talk provides opportunity to develop understanding and try out more formal language orally before moving into writing.

The course defines what is meant by talk and identifies the benefits and challenges for EAL learners. It looks at classroom organisation and considers what constitutes a safe inclusive talk environment. It clarifies what is meant by the ‘language demands of the curriculum’ and explores ways in which these can be met through whole class interaction, small group discussion and engagement in more formal talk based activities.

Delegates will have opportunity to try out a range of practical activities to encourage talk as a tool for learning and consider how these might be most effectively used to scaffold the language, literacy and learning of EAL pupils across the curriculum.