Coaching on Network-Equitable Classroom Talk (CONNECT): Enhancing Classroom Talk in Early Head Start

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Language Learning (Table 10)

Abstract

Coaching on Network-Equitable Classroom Talk (CONNECT) is a novel coaching program featuring data visualization to enhance the quality and equity of classroom talk. We piloted CONNECT with four Early Head Start teachers and 18 infants/toddlers. Using mixed methods, we investigated changes in teachers’ quality and equity of talk, relations between teachers’ talk strategies and children’s language skills, and teachers’ perceptions of CONNECT. Over three months, teachers showed more advanced scaffolding with children and less basic scaffolding particularly with toddlers. Teachers’ talk became more evenly distributed across infants and toddlers. Teachers’ advanced scaffolding and promoting of dialogue were associated with higher child language skills. Teachers appreciated the opportunity to reflect and interpret data about their practices through partnerships built in CONNECT.

Authors

• Monica Lu, The Ohio State University

• Tzu-Jung Lin, The Ohio State University

• Nan Xiao, University of California, Irvine

• Ziye Wen, The Ohio State University

• Ye Shen, Johns Hopkins University

• Ruitong Wang, The Ohio State University

• Emma Schuette, The Ohio State University