Talking together: exploring the impact of Group Talk activities
on the confidence and attainment in speaking German with
a Year 8 class
Deborah Eills
(PGCE Modern Foreign Languages, 2016-2017)
email: deborah16@cantab.net
Abstract
Spontaneous speech and interaction in the target language are emphasized by the recent National Curriculum and GCSE. Yet speaking is often the skill second language learners find the most difficult. “Group Talk” allows
pupils to exchange opinions and debate, giving opportunities for spontaneity and interaction. Following principles of Action Research over six lessons, this project explores the implications of introducing Group Talk
activities into the classroom. The results suggest some pupils’ confidence and attainment in speaking improved, through small-group work and increased practice. However, groupings and the social environment became
problematic for others. The intervention also showed how perceptions of competence and confidence are intertwined.It can be challenging to implement Group Talk, but if done with care and reflection, it can provide
the opportunity for pupils’ voices to become a normal part of classroom discourse, giving them the confidence and ability to speak.
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The full paper is available for download as a pdf file: 191-230-eillsd
Citation:.Eills.D".Talking together: exploring the impact of Group Talk activities on the confidence and attainment in speaking German with a Year 8 class '' Journal of Trainee Teacher Educational Research, Volume 9, pp 191-229 downloaded from http://jotter.educ.cam.ac.uk/ [date of access])