Another way to encourage exploratory talk is using talking points. If we want pupils to talk effectively, we need to give them decent things to talk about! Give some consideration to those topics within your curricula that are particularly interesting ‘talking points’ or those that evoke thought/debate. Another example of a good talking point, might be centred around a common misconception in your subject.
Some strategies to use to support talking points:
Always, sometimes, never true: encourage pupils to really justify their reasoning.
Would you rather: Helps to promote discussion around those particularly controversial issues.
Odd one out: to develop reasoning, particularly if there are no correct answers.
Click here for some examples: Talking points