Does talk help learning in maths?

If you’re interested in the teaching and learning of maths, listen to this: https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/the-commission-conversations-david-thomas/

David Thomas’ explanation of the role of oracy in mathematics is full of both clarity and inspiration. Students need to be able to talk about what they’re doing and explain why they’re doing it…

It’s part of a series of podcasts by the new Oracy Education Commission.

Please also consider submitting evidence:
https://oracyeducationcommission.co.uk/submit-evidence/

Oracy Education Commission logo (a speech bubble)
 
More on oracy
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Save the last word – oracy structure

A structure for purposeful talk across the curriculum

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Are you giving girls more opportunities to speak?

Ways to ensure you are creating an equitable learning environment

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Deepen learning in science through dialogue

I highly recommend this series of videos from the Inquiry Project

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“They're starting to care more about what everyone has to say.”

The impact of making sure every student’s voice is heard

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“It teaches us how not to speak over people”

Pupils reflect on how using a ‘talking stick’ helps them take turns

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“More hands – or I'll cold call”

Let’s think about how we promote participation in whole-class talk

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Remember when… collaborative oracy game

“They didn’t want to stop!” Play this engaging game with your students to develop listening and collaborative thinking

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“It’s forcing them, in a gentle way, to use their voice.”

A teacher talking about why she changes pairings in her class every week

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“We need to stop being shy and show who we really are!"

Thoughts from some ten year-olds on the power of oracy approaches

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Oracy story game

A fun game to develop listening and thinking

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What did you write on your whiteboard?

A simple yet underused strategy

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Be careful with 'Who can...?'

The way you phrase your questions matters!

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Thinking time – so important

A few moments of silence benefits everyone

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Three ways to get them better at active listening

Do these often and you will notice the difference

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"It slows everything down..."

Teachers on what’s great about Philosophy for Children

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“It pays to press students to self-explain”

Professor Lauren Resnick on ‘accountable talk’ classrooms

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Oracy prompts for summarising

Talk prompts can help students learn the language of summarising

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Listening prompts

20 prompts to help students show they have been listening

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Respectful listening

It’s not only about you!

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ABC: agree, build, challenge

A memorable structure to develop the skills of dialogue

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My new oracy book just published!

Published 15 Jan 2026, with Alan Howe

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‘Keywording’ helps students listen

What three pupils said about the power of jotting key words

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Holiday talk prompts

Sentence starters to help your pupils or loved ones reflect

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Festive oracy: playful ways to practise speaking and listening skills

Seasonal versions of some well-known oracy games

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Implementing Oracy programme – places remaining

Learn how to embed excellent oracy practice – programme starts Fri 16 Jan

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Speaker, questioner, summariser

Three oracy roles for working in groups

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Belief before strategy

Your attitude is everything

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Concentric circles – oracy structure

A great way to get students used to talking to different people

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The Rabbit Listened – P4C/Oracy stimulus

A beautiful book about listening

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'You said, I think' – oracy structure

A surprisingly simple way to improve listening and dialogue