What is Talk Factory?
Talk Factory is designed for use on an Interactive Whiteboard and supports whole class plenary discussions. It is designed to support ‘exploratory’ talk, which is defined as “a joint, co-ordinated form of co-reasoning, in which speakers share relevant knowledge, challenge ideas, evaluate evidence, consider options and try to reach agreement in an equitable manner” (Mercer, 2008). Research in recent years has found that this kind of classroom dialogue is effective for promoting children’s talking, thinking and listening skills (see Mercer and Littleton, 2007 and the Thinking Together website for details).
The software was recently showcased at the Open University/UK Literacy Association (UKLA) and as a result has already been adopted by Cornwall Learning. Andy Brumby from Cornwall Learning believes it will make an important contribution to the development of students’ thinking, listening and argumentation skills in the classroom.
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