CHALK TALK

AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A

CONVERSATION IN WRITING

PROCESS• The instructor explains VERY BRIEFLY that Chalk Talk is a

activity. No one may talk at all and anyone may add to the Chalk Talk as they please.

• The instructor writes a relevant question in a circle on the board or chart paper.

Sample Questions

• What did you learn today?• What is your favorite book or author?• How can we keep the noise level to a minimum in this room?

• Each student has a piece of chalk or a marker for Chalk Talk.

• Students can comment on the initial question—and subsequent comments—by drawing a connecting line to the question or comment.

• Participants write as they feel moved.

• They can read and respond to the comments of others.

• It is natural to have moments where not much seems to be taking place, so allow plenty of wait time before deciding the activity is over.

• The instructor can take the observer role and let it evolve or encourage thinking by:

• circling other interesting ideas and inviting comments• writing questions about a participant’s comment• adding his/her own thoughts or ideas• connecting two interesting ideas/comments together with

a line and adding a question mark

• Being an active participant encourages students to follow the example and expound on the subject.

• When it’s done, it’s done.

Practical Uses for Chalk Talk

ASSESSING PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

• Begin by writing in the center of the chart paper, “What

do we know about (whatever topic you choose)?” and let

students write all they know on the page.

• Leave the chart up for the entire unit as a resource.

• As the class progresses through the unit, ask students to

correct any misconceptions they may have had in the

beginning.

• Assess your students’ learning by comparing what

students say they’ve learned with your goals or

expected outcomes for the unit

• Assess your own teaching and determine whether

your goals were appropriate

ASSESSING WHAT WAS LEARNED

DISCUSSING DIFFICULT ISSUES & SOLVING PROBLEMS

• Useful when there is a problem in the classroom

likely to cause arguments, denials, or defensiveness

• Suggestions can be compiled and a course of action

decided upon by the class

RECORDING WHAT WAS DISCUSSED

• Leaves a written record, if done on chart paper

• Can be categorized, opinions can be counted and the

final result can be expounded.

COMMUNICATING TO OTHERS

• Communicates a large amount of knowledge to an outside

group or individual.

• All students have equal opportunity to offer their

thoughts.

• Opposing viewpoints can be more easily “heard” and

responded to in a thoughtful and respectful manner.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

MIMIE LAURANT, ERICA HARRIS, &

MADONNA ROGERS

Chalk Talk

Silent activity Students can comment on the initial question or

subsequent comments

Instructor hands chalk or marker to every

student or places at site

Instructor writes relevant question in circle on board

or chart paper

Instructor briefly

explains

Can connet two interesting

ideas by drawing a line and adding a ?