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Understanding Classroom Interaction

4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 13 ratings
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Betsy R. Rymes

Have you ever wondered why some classroom discussions are lively and engaging and others more like painful interrogations? Why some students always have an answer ready, but others never participate? Why everybody (or nobody) laughs at a teacher’s jokes? What role multiple languages should play in classroom talk?

This course gives classroom teachers at all levels and subject areas the analytic tools to answer these and more questions about classroom communication.

Read more

Have you ever wondered why some classroom discussions are lively and engaging and others more like painful interrogations? Why some students always have an answer ready, but others never participate? Why everybody (or nobody) laughs at a teacher’s jokes? What role multiple languages should play in classroom talk?

This course gives classroom teachers at all levels and subject areas the analytic tools to answer these and more questions about classroom communication.

Each lesson introduces fundamental concepts and techniques of classroom discourse analysis, developing an analytic toolkit and promoting critical reflection on pedagogical practices over five weeks.

What you'll learn

You’ll explore student engagement strategies including how to identify and analyze:

  • turn-taking patterns and their function
  • question types and their effects on classroom talk
  • the role of intonation, gesture and other subtle cues on interaction
  • types and functions of classroom storytelling
  • types of class participation and their effects
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Turn-taking patterns and their function
  • Question types and their effects on classroom talk
  • The role of intonation, gesture and other subtle cues on interaction
  • Types and functions of classroom storytelling
  • Types of class participation and their effects

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines types of classroom storytelling and their impact on student engagement
Explores the role of intonation, gesture, and other subtle cues on classroom interaction
Develops tools for analyzing turn-taking patterns and their functions
Identifies various types of class participation and their impacts
Analyzes the effects of question types on classroom talk
Provides a framework for promoting critical reflection on pedagogical practices

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Reviews summary

Analyzing classroom communication for teachers

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in understanding and analyzing classroom interaction. Many found the content highly relevant and applicable to their teaching practice, offering practical tools and strategies. The lectures and materials are generally described as clear and well-structured, making complex concepts accessible. Some reviewers highlighted the value of analyzing real classroom examples. While largely positive, a few felt it served more as a good introduction rather than an in-depth exploration, potentially leaving those seeking advanced techniques wanting more. Overall, it is seen as a valuable professional development opportunity for educators.
Excellent starting point, though not deeply advanced.
"This course is a very good introduction to classroom discourse analysis."
"I felt this was a solid foundation, but perhaps not deep enough for those already familiar with the field."
"It gives a great overview but could use more in-depth exploration of certain techniques."
"A good starting point for understanding the basics of analyzing classroom talk."
Analyzing real classroom interactions was highly beneficial.
"The use of real classroom examples for analysis was incredibly helpful."
"I particularly appreciated analyzing the video clips of actual classroom interactions."
"Working through the examples solidified my understanding of the concepts."
"Seeing the theoretical concepts applied to real classroom data was valuable."
Well-organized materials make complex ideas easy to grasp.
"The lectures were clear, concise, and easy to follow."
"I found the course content logically structured and well-presented."
"The concepts were broken down effectively, making complex ideas accessible."
"The materials were well-organized and easy to navigate."
Directly addresses challenges faced by teachers.
"The focus on classroom interaction is highly relevant to anyone working in education."
"This course addresses real-world issues I face daily as a teacher."
"It provided valuable perspectives on common classroom scenarios."
"The topics covered felt immediately applicable to my professional life."
Provides actionable insights for immediate use in teaching.
"I learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
"This course provided me with a framework to better understand interactions in my own classroom."
"The concepts taught here directly helped me analyze and improve my teaching style."
"It gave me concrete methods for understanding student participation and engagement patterns."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Classroom Interaction with these activities:
Review "Language in the Classroom" by van Lier
Provide a foundational understanding of classroom discourse analysis, specifically focusing on language and its role in classroom interactions.
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and first chapter of the book
  • Summarize the key concepts and theories presented in the reading
Review "Interaction in the Classroom" by Wells
Gain insights into the nature of classroom interaction, focusing on the role of language in shaping student learning and participation.
View Python for the Life Sciences: A Gentle... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the introduction and selected chapters of the book
  • Summarize the key ideas and examples related to classroom interaction
Explore Tools for Analyzing Classroom Discourse
Expand knowledge of classroom discourse analysis techniques by exploring online tutorials and resources that provide practical guidance.
Show steps
  • Search online for tutorials on classroom discourse analysis tools
  • Follow tutorials and practice using the tools on sample classroom transcripts or recordings
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Transcript from a Classroom Recording
Develop analytical skills and attention to detail by creating a transcript of a classroom recording, focusing on capturing verbal and non-verbal cues.
Show steps
  • Record a classroom session using audio or video recording software
  • Listen to the recording and identify key moments, interactions, and utterances
  • Use transcription software or a text editor to create a written transcript
  • Review and edit the transcript for accuracy and completeness
Practice Analyzing Classroom Discourse Turn-Taking Patterns
Reinforce understanding of turn-taking patterns in classroom discourse by analyzing real-life examples and identifying their functions and effects.
Show steps
  • Review the concepts of turn-taking, adjacency pairs, and floor management
  • Analyze transcripts or recordings of classroom interactions, identifying different types of turns and their functions
  • Practice predicting and explaining how turn-taking patterns influence classroom dynamics
Collaborate on a Discourse Analysis Project
Enhance analytical skills and gain diverse perspectives by collaborating with peers on a classroom discourse analysis project.
Show steps
  • Form a small group with classmates
  • Choose a specific classroom discourse topic or research question
  • Collect and analyze data, such as transcripts or recordings of classroom interactions
  • Present and discuss findings with the class
Develop a Classroom Discourse Analysis Plan
Apply knowledge of classroom discourse analysis principles to develop a comprehensive plan for analyzing classroom interactions.
Show steps
  • Define the research question or topic of interest
  • Identify relevant theoretical frameworks and analytic methods
  • Describe data collection and analysis procedures
  • Plan for reporting and disseminating findings

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Classroom Interaction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Professor (Education)
Professors of Education teach and conduct research in the field of education. They may work at a variety of institutions, including colleges and universities. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for educating future teachers and education professionals about classroom communication and interaction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor (Education)
Education Researcher
Education Researchers study the field of education and develop new theories and methods to improve teaching and learning. They may work for a variety of organizations, including universities, research institutes, and government agencies. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for understanding the role of classroom communication as it relates to research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Education Researcher
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendents of Schools are responsible for the overall operation of a school district. They may work in a variety of settings, including urban, suburban, and rural districts. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for understanding district-wide communication patterns that influence classrooms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Superintendent of Schools
Principal
Principals are responsible for the overall operation of a school. They may work in a variety of settings, including elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Understanding Classroom Interaction may be helpful in developing strategies for managing classroom discussion and communication patterns across a school or district, which is an important responsibility of Principals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Principal
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrators manage and oversee colleges and universities. They may work in a variety of roles, including president, provost, and dean. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for fostering effective classroom and faculty communication and supporting related initiatives and policies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator
School Counselor
School Counselors provide support and guidance to students on a variety of issues, including academic, personal, and social. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools and community organizations. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation in understanding patterns of student interactions as they relate to various issues that may emerge in a school setting.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designers develop and deliver learning experiences for a variety of audiences. They may work for a variety of organizations, including schools, businesses, and government agencies. Understanding Classroom Interaction may be helpful in developing an understanding of how to shape learning content and experiences around classroom communication patterns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and develop educational materials and programs. They may work for a variety of organizations, including schools, publishers, and government agencies. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for understanding how curriculum choices impact classroom discussion dynamics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Literacy Coach
Literacy Coaches provide support and guidance to teachers to help them improve their literacy instruction. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools and districts. Understanding Classroom Interaction may provide helpful tools for analyzing and advising on classroom literacy instruction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Literacy Coach
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers help non-native speakers learn English. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, community colleges, and workplaces. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for understanding students with language and speech differences in the classroom, which is particularly important for ESL teaching.
See salaries and explore the career path for English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
Learning Specialist
Learning Specialists help students with learning difficulties to develop skills and strategies to succeed in school. They may work in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and hospitals. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for analyzing and addressing learning difficulties that may be reflected in classroom discussion patterns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Specialist
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants provide advice and support to schools and other educational institutions. They may help develop curriculum, improve teaching methods, or assess student learning. Understanding Classroom Interaction may be helpful in developing an understanding of foundational communication mechanisms in the classroom, which would relate directly to the curriculum and teaching method development done by Educational Consultants.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Teacher
Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a variety of academic subjects. They may work in preschool, elementary school, middle school, or high school. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation in learning methods for shaping and managing classroom communication patterns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people develop and maintain speech, language, and swallowing skills. They may work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who have difficulty communicating due to a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, or cerebral palsy. Understanding Classroom Interaction may be helpful in learning how students with varying language and speech skills may respond to different kinds of interactions in a classroom setting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist
Education Policy Analyst
Education Policy Analysts study and offer advice on improving the quality of education. They may work for the government, a non-profit group, or an education association. Understanding Classroom Interaction may help build a foundation for handling the analysis and communication aspects of education policy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Education Policy Analyst

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Classroom Interaction.
Cover image
Social Movement Discourse
Save
This classic work in discourse analysis provides a theoretical framework for understanding and analyzing discourse, offering valuable insights into the structure and function of classroom interactions.
Social Movement Discourse: An Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Decommodification of Early Childhood Education...
Save
This influential work in critical discourse analysis explores the relationship between discourse and power, offering insights into how classroom interactions can be shaped by power dynamics.
The Decommodification of Early Childhood Education...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
What Is a Human?
Save
Explores the relationship between discourse and literacy, offering insights into how classroom interactions can shape literacy development.
What Is a Human?: Language, Mind, and Culture
Paperback
$$
What Is a Human?: Language, Mind, and Culture
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
What is Discourse Analysis?
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in discourse analysis, offering practical guidance on how to conduct discourse analysis research in the classroom context.
What is Discourse Analysis? (The 'What is?'...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Children's Literacy Practices and Preferences
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of discourse analysis in educational practice and can be used as a supplementary text to enhance understanding of the course material.
Children's Literacy Practices and Preferences:...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Opening Dialogue
Save
Examines the role of language in teaching and learning, providing practical strategies for improving communication in the classroom.
Opening Dialogue: Understanding the Dynamics of...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Teaching and Learning Second Language Pragmatics...
Save
Explores the pragmatic aspects of classroom discourse, focusing on the ways in which language is used in the classroom context.
Teaching and Learning Second Language Pragmatics...
Paperback
$$$
Teaching and Learning Second Language Pragmatics...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Teaching Literature to Adolescents
Save
Explores the conversational patterns and dynamics in classrooms, offering insights into how teachers and students interact and communicate.
Teaching Literature to Adolescents
Paperback
$$
Teaching Literature to Adolescents
Paperback
$$
Teaching Literature to Adolescents
Paperback
$$
Teaching Literature to Adolescents
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Signalling Nouns in English
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of discourse analysis and its applications in language teaching, offering insights into how classroom discourse can be used to promote language learning.
Signalling Nouns in English: A Corpus-Based...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
2 to 3 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Elementary
Via
edX
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Betsy R. Rymes
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Examines types of classroom storytelling and their impact on student engagement
Explores the role of intonation, gesture, and other subtle cues on classroom interaction
Develops tools for analyzing turn-taking patterns and their functions
Identifies various types of class participation and their impacts
Analyzes the effects of question types on classroom talk
Provides a framework for promoting critical reflection on pedagogical practices
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