Speaking & Talking
Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas
We are approaching the close of the school year and we are taking a look at the language development of our learners. We have looked at the development of reading and writing, and now we take a look at the skills of speaking and talking. This is done by defining Language, Speaking, and Talking. These definitions are then applied to the level of skill our students have develop and can demonstrate. This development and demonstration by our students, lets us, as educators, learn from what we have taught. This process allows us to see the growth that our learners have done over the school year, and can help us further prepare them for the challenges they will face as they continue in their educational path.
Language
Language is the communication skills developed by learners. These communication skills are diverse, and our students develop them and demonstrate them, each as best they can. Each student arrived with a unique level of language development at the start of the year, and now, that development should be reflective of what they have learned up to now. What they have learned should be reflective of what we have taught them. Differences between what has been learned, and what has been taught, are to be expected and anticipated, for sometimes skill development and demonstration of skill can go beyond what has been taught.
Speaking
Speaking is a communication skill that we develop to express in an auditory manner. We hear sounds and feel vibrations that we try to replicate. Speaking allows us to express our thoughts and ideas directly into audio, allowing others to hear our speech. Speech can then be preserved by the tools of technology which we have like writing, recording, and publishing. Speech can also be broadcast and shared with those whom we are able to reach through various means of communication. Having our students develop their speaking skills will help aid the growth of language.
Talking
Talking is a communication skill that we develop to engage with others. Talking helps us engage in conversation so we may exchange ideas and thoughts by speaking to one another. When we talk we must alternate between speaking and listening, and because of this, talking is a skill which should help us develop a balance as we speak and listen. It also requires us to develop processing skills so that we may accurately express what we say and understand what we hear. Having our students develop their talking skills will help aid the growth of language.
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