The need to help children understand and
regularly use the routines of effective talk has
also been emphasised in a range of curriculum
development programmes in the UK (Alexander,
2003), with guidance provided to schools by the
Department for Children, Schools and Families
(2008), mainly in the context of enhancing
attainment in literacy. National strategies for
literacy focus heavily on speaking and listening
skills, yet guidance specifically for science
educators is limited.
Bianchi’s research (2002) examined teachers’ perceptions of the teaching and learning of verbal
communication skills in the science curriculum,
as part of a doctoral study that explored a range
of personal capabilities and skills. This research
suggested that children’s personal capabilities
were enhanced by the interaction of knowledge
development, self-assessment, action planning,
action and reflection. This research also
showed that the science curriculum can provide
opportunities for the development of generic
personal skills and capabilities, best achieved
through adaptation of teachers’ pedagogy and
consistency of use over time, using generic and
embedded activities to support this process.
Science learning requires particular kinds
of talk and discussion to take place, in order for
children to work in ways that authenticate the