Interactive Class Talk and the Development of Transversal Competencies among Seventh Grade Science Students
Keywords:
Class talk, sense of responsibility, teamwork, reflective thinking, communication skill, organization skillAbstract
Development of transversal competencies is crucial for employee’s endurance in the 21st century job market. The education system promises the development of these skills. It is vital to explore the classroom talks suitable for the development of transversal competencies at school level. This study aimed at exploring the talk in science classroom and respective developed transversal competencies among 7th grade students (11-12 years age). It was mix-method sequential design to achieve the devised objective. The population was science teachers teaching at grades 6-8 and their students. Ten teachers teaching through interactive talk were purposively selected along with their students (255). The nature of teacher’s talk used in the classroom was marked on the observation sheet during their teaching. Students were assessed of skills, reflective thinking skills, communication skills and teamwork via observation sheet. Both teachers and students were interviewed to explore the underlying reasons certain initiation, student-initiation, response and feedback with some other moves were observed during teaching. While interviewing teachers reported student’s active involvement, in classroom discussions, is enriched source of student’s as well as teacher’s development. However, they highlighted administrative constraints, overcrowded classes, workload of teachers, lack of time and trainings. It is found that exploratory and explanatory talks develop communication skills, responsibility and organizational skills among students. While questioning and involvement in discussions cause reflective thinking, teamwork and communication skills development. It is concluded that interactive class talks are suitable for development of transversal competencies at elementary school level. The students should be engaged in collaborative classroom activities and develop a culture to involve them personally in the process of holistic development.
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