Setting Effective Tasks
As speaking and listening is hard for pupils to 'pin down' it is important that the tasks you set are as clear and supportive for the pupils as possible. They should have:
- clear objectives
- distinct purpose
- defined time limits
- an identified audience
- clear outcome
Activity
Have a look at the video clips to illustrate the clear setting of tasks (you can also view the accompanying lesson plans). Look at the bullet list above and note which elements are present and which could have been helpfully included for pupils.
Consider ways to plan and try out including more effective ways of setting tasks in a lesson you are planning in the next few weeks.
School A, Year 10 - Setting Effective Tasks (00:32)
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Transcript (23 KB)
Example Lesson Plan Year 10, School A (48 KB)
School B, Year 10 - Setting Effective Tasks (01:03)
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Example Lesson Plan Year 10, School B (43 KB)
School C, Year 9 - Setting Effective Tasks (01:05)
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Example Lesson Plan Year 9, School C (37 KB)
Further resources
The following Secondary National Strategy (SNS) resources contain further guidance on setting tasks for speaking and listening:
Strategies for organising group talk (98 KB)
Introducing tasks to groups (177 KB)
Trouble shooting during group work - developing social skills (123 KB)