Observation Table:

Reasons for speaking in the classroom

Class: kg2-6
Number of learners: 25 learners
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
Teacher observed Language: English
Learning Goals: Develop the language
Materials used: song

Reason for speaking Learner A Learner B Learner C

Learner repeats word / phrase
1 after teacher – whole class E/A A A
Learner repeats word / phrase
2 after teacher – group / pair A A A
Learner repeats word / phrase
3 after teacher – individual E E A
Learner answers direct
4 question E E E
from teacher
Learner answers open
5 question E - A
6 from teacher
Learner asks teacher a
question E A A
Learner answers a partner in
7 Paired work activity A A A
Learner answers a group
8 member in group work A A A
activity
Learner answers the teacher
9 informally A A A
10 Learner answers peer
informally E/A A A
11 Other reason for speaking
A - A
 Reflections on Observation Task 1: Chit Chat

Read the questions below and write your answers

What was the most common reason for speaking?
Mostly the reason for speaking is learner asks teacher a question.

What was the least common reason for speaking?

Some learners feel shy and they are not sure if they will answer it will be correct
or not.

Were there any boxes with no ticks?

Yes, Hour had two boxes. (Hour is very shy and irresolute).

How much of the lesson was spent on the teacher using ‘Teacher Talk’, in your
opinion?
Half of the lesson the teacher talks; she let the students talk to develop their
language.

Do you feel it was an appropriate amount of talk? Why / Why not?

Yes it was, learners should talk to improve their language.

What do you think is an appropriate sequence of interaction patterns?

The teacher should give a good feedback for the students when they answer.

Now consider how much Arabic was used. Do you think it was used
appropriately? Why? / Why not?
Arabic language is used more, because it is the mother language but they have to
talk English in the lesson to develop the language.

Reflection for Bonus Points

You do not have to do this activity. However, if you want a higher grade, you
must do it. If you are interested in thinking about this subject more, consider the
following reflection.

Choose one of the following questions (A, B, or C) and write your answer:

A. Why is talk important for teachers? Teacher talking is important because

she should communicate with learners to have a good relationship.

Why is talk important for learners? (Think about the What and How.)
learners should talk to improve their relationship and their language skills.