Speaking Cycles - Behind The Scenes

These notes explain the rationale behind each stage of the speaking cycle.

1. Activating

· generating interest in the topic
· whole-group brainstorming of ideas and useful vocabulary
· activation of background knowledge

2. Sharing

· relating the experiences of peers to oneself
· identification of common experiences
· personalisation of the topic
· promotion of attentive listening within peer group
· promotion of mutual interest and curiosity
· development of a positive group dynamic

3. Preparing

· encouraging group investment in the task
· peer group negotiation and decision-making
· selecting appropriate language
· organisation of ideas
· asking peers/teacher for new language
· refining of language through self-correction and peer correction
· rehearsal in a ‘safe’ environment

4. Performing

· attentive listening for gist and specific information
· comparing performance of other groups with one’s own group
· ‘pushing’ speakers to optimise their performance by speaking to an audience
· monitoring performance of peer group ‘representative’

5. Reporting

· checking and correcting answers with peer group
· relating all the experiences to each other
· ranking and cognitive decision-making

Feedback Stage

· (teacher-led) clarifying of meaning, if necessary
· (teacher-led) correcting and refinement of language
· (teacher-led) highlighting and drawing of attention to noteworthy use of language