Exploring how teachers talk in elementary science classrooms

The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of how teachers talk in elementary science classrooms and how that talk assists students in making meaning of science. A premise of this study was the recognition of the importance of the goal of scientific literacy for students. Individuals who are scientifically literate have more opportunities for employment and the potential for an improved quality of life. The process of educating students in scientific literacy begins in elementary school, thus underscoring the importance of quality elementary science education. Using socio-cultural theory and the role of social languages in classrooms as a lens, this study explored the role of teacher talk in the development of student understanding in science. The literature review identified three areas of instruction that were relevant to the teaching of science. The three areas were patterns of teacher talk (IRE/IRF), the authoritative/dialogic continuum and the development of everyday/academic language. The research questions aligned with these three areas focusing on control of talk in classrooms as evidenced through patterns of talk and the development of the academic language of science. Two fourth grade teachers were observed during science instruction and the transcripts of their talk was used for data analysis. Data analysis generated quantitative and qualitative data sets. The results showed that language played two different roles in assisting students construct an understanding of science. The primary use of language by one teacher was the transmission of science content and checking student understanding. The other teacher viewed language as important for both teacher and students; using language as an instructional device to further student understanding...