When we think about increasing student talk and plan for it, student engagement will increase. A great strategy to use is a World Cafe. World Cafes can be done in a variety of ways depending on the level and the comfortability of students and teacher.
So what is a World Cafe?
All students are first exposed to similar things. They do not need to read or watch the exact same thing but there should be a general theme or topic that you would like them to discuss. Students are then split into groups of any number, usually 4 - 5 makes the best size with one table host/leader. The groups then all discuss a set of questions led by the table host. As the questions are discussed, the host or all the participants write key ideas discussed on a large sheet. It is best to think about who will make a strong table host before the class period begins.
After a set period of time, the students all switch to different groups and the table host stays at the table. The table host then discusses what their first group discussed and the new group members make connections with it from their previous groups. After this discussion has "finished" the new groups can then discuss the same questions or a new set of questions. They will add to the sheet at their table which helps to make their thinking visible for all groups.
If you wanted to, you could do another switch and go to another table or they could return to their original table to see what was added. At the end, you can have the table hosts share what was discussed at their table with the whole group.
A World Cafe can be done in a variety of ways. Figure out what works best for your students and you.
For more information on World Cafes, here is a great resource.
