Using teachers’ language to motivate disadvantaged learners
Eleanor Kavanagh
Dialogue is a natural and powerful learning tool in classrooms. For her Part 2 investigation Eleanor investigated how teachers could use classroom language as a way of addressing attainment gap.
She interviewed two groups of pupils – disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged groups. Recommendations for teachers include breaking down complex vocabulary and linking these words to cultural references; scaffolding oracy; a ‘word of the week’ routine; and using simplified synonyms to reiterate instructions.