Research-Backed Strategies for Academic Talk with Jeff Zwiers

Episode 217
Have you ever wondered how to get your students talking in a way that builds deeper understanding? In this episode, we chat with Jeff Zwiers, author of Academic Conversations and Next Steps with Academic Conversations, about the power of authentic discussions in the classroom.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• 3 Key Features of Authentic Conversations: Building on ideas, clarifying and supporting, and using information gaps to spark curiosity.
• Practical Strategies: How to use routines like Think-Pair-Share to foster meaningful discussions.
• Building a Culture of Communication: Tips for helping students share opinions, argue effectively, and engage deeply.

This episode is packed with actionable ideas to help you create a classroom where every student’s voice matters. Tune in to discover how academic talk can boost participation, agency, and long-term success!

Resources

• Article: Enhancing Instruction with Authentic Communication: 3 Features Conversing to Fortify Literacy, Language, and Learning 
• Book: Academic Conversations
• Book: Next Steps with Academic Conversations 

We answer your questions about teaching reading in The Literacy 50-A Q&A Handbook for Teachers: Real-World Answers to Questions About Reading That Keep You Up at Night.

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