Toward an Integrated Taxonomy of Teacher Discourse Moves in Small-Group Text-Based Discussions

• In Event: Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: Rethinking Teacher Knowledge: Frameworks and Contexts

Abstract

Small-group discussions about text are common in language arts classrooms. What teachers say during the discussion necessarily affects the content and quality of the discussion. There is a need to learn more about teacher discourse moves and how they influence and promote discussions. In this proposal we: (a) synthesized existing research on teacher moves; (b) iteratively sorted and coded the teacher moves into an integrated taxonomy of teacher moves; and (c) tested the feasibility of the rubric as a coding mechanism. This integrated taxonomy is both practically and theoretically significant. Researchers can utilize the taxonomy to assist in the investigation of the effects of teacher moves in small-group discussions; discussion practitioners can use the taxonomy to enhance their classroom discussions.

Authors

• Liwei Wei, The Pennsylvania State University - University Park

• P. Karen Murphy, The Pennsylvania State University

• Carla Marie Firetto, The Pennsylvania State University