Chalk Talk.

Definition:

Have you ever wondered what a chalk talk method is!!  It is a technique that creates a conversation , mutual opinions and comments among learners through writing.

Chalk Talk is a silent conversation in writing that allows students to have an equal opportunity to participate. It is a versatile protocol that can be used for many purposes. Students and teachers love it.

A chalk talk is a monologue presentation done while the speaker draws. It is usually done with chalk, hard crayon, or pastel, or with dry-erase markers on a whiteboard.

The chalk talk method of teaching focuses on the blackboard and the lecturer's voice and also the activities – to be precise, the physical activities.!

Its Uses:

1-It can be used in doing the "Warm up" of the lesson. Learners can have a look at the title of the lesson and can guess the contents of the lesson.

2-It can be used in doing feedback at the end of the lesson as a method for learners to answer the following question: What have we learnt today?

3- It can be used through implementing group work procedure as the group presenter can use his chalk to add his group comment or to add his group's opinion or question.

Through using" chalk talk" in the 3 previous items , the teacher can do a self -reflection when he sees the "chalk talk" done by learners and he can compare it with the learning objectives of the lesson.

Chalk Talks work very well to:

• Engage all learners

• Promote independent thinking

• Allow all students to have an equal say

• Expose students to different ideas and perspectives

• Start conversations

• Generate ideas and prompt questions

• Help students to make connections to different ideas

• Encourage problem-solving

• Promote reflective thinking

Its benefits:

1-It helps the learners to generate new ideas.

2-It encourages critical thinking.

3-It increases creativity and silent conversation.

4-It encourages self-expression.

5-It addresses students' skills and activities.

6-It is a learner-centered method of learning.

Its Procedure:

The facilitator writes a relevant question in a circle on the board.

Sample question:

My learners, look at the  of the lesson and its text pictures and guess what our lesson will discuss today?

1- No one may talk at all. Anyone may add to the chalk talk as they please through using the chalk to expand the main idea to generate other side ideas, comments or questions.  Any learner can comment on his peer;s idea or comment by connecting a line to his peer's idea on the blackboard.

2- Learners come to the front of the class and hold a piece of chalk to write their comments , add their opinions, draw sketches or use mind-mapping in expanding ideas whenever they feel moved.

3-The teacher stands at the back of the class monitoring, encouraging and checking what his learners do.

4-The teacher interferes to circle the interesting ideas, refers to the repeated comment and encourages expanding or broadening the main idea.

5-Learners work silently without speaking at all.