Controlled Turns
With the technique, Controlled Turns, you give a clear steer about who should be talking in a discussion and who should be listening. For example:
In small-group discussions, you might assign different letters to students – A, B, C, etc. – and give direction as to whose turn it is to speak at a particular time. For example, you might say: ‘Okay, that’s enough time for the As. I’d now like everyone who is a B to take a turn at speaking.’
In whole-class discussions, you might do this by being deliberately mindful about who has spoken and limiting the amount of time any one student is allowed to talk for. For example, you might say: ‘I’d like everyone to have the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. After anyone has spoken for a minute, I’m going to put up my hand, which is a signal to stop, so someone else gets a turn’.
Why use this technque?
The technique helps ensure all students have the opportunity to contribute to discussions, without certain students dominating. It can also help teach students the value of listening carefully to one another.
Focused reflection
How well do you currently use this technique?
Is it a technique you will focus on developing?
If so, what are the key features you will focus on (things to do, and not do)?