Does talking help with learning?

Photo: David Trent

Does talking help with learning?

I’ve been asking this question to lots of children and young people, and I’m fascinated by the range of responses. Here are four very different thoughts from 11-year-olds:

• “When you talk, you can get more ideas. You can hear your voice. You might say something but it doesn't sound quite right, so then you can add in an extra bit.”

• “If someone is stuck, and they hear you speak, that could help them.”

• “I think it does, because if you talk you can disagree, and if you disagree then you might find that you are wrong, or help someone see that they are wrong.”

• “Yes, because if you can't speak out, you won't be able to do anything in the world!”