Ever wondered why some people can captivate a room with their words while others struggle to be heard? The secret lies in oracy – the art of speaking and listening. At its core, oracy is the foundation of good communication, offering many benefits that go beyond the classroom.
Imagine a world where kids not only ace their exams but also debate passionately, present ideas confidently, and listen empathetically.
That’s the power of oracy!
Teaching oracy transforms classrooms into vibrant spaces of communication and collaboration. It boosts self-esteem, improves academic performance, and equips students with skills for life. It gives students the tools they need to express themselves and connect with others, making learning more engaging and fun. With a growing body of research showcasing the importance of oracy, educators, parents, and policy-makers are increasingly recognising its impact.
In this post, we’ll explore why verbal communication is important and how to improve children’s academic and personal development.
The Academic Benefits of Oracy
You can’t underestimate the importance of oracy in education; it plays a crucial role in boosting students’ reading and listening skills.
Studies have shown that effective communication skills in education lead to a better grasp of vocabulary. This, in turn, helps students construct meaningful sentences and understand complex texts. By combining speaking, listening, and writing, students not only enhance their language abilities but also achieve better performance in assessments.
Strong communication skills also help students to understand and remember what they learn. When they share their thoughts and dive into discussions, they grasp and retain new concepts much more effectively. This kind of interactive learning makes classes more lively and fun. By focusing on developing these skills, we create an engaging and dynamic classroom environment where students thrive both academically and personally.
Personal Development through Teaching Oracy
Oracy isn’t just about doing well in school; it’s also key to personal growth. It helps build confidence and self-esteem, which are essential for students as they tackle the challenges of education. By encouraging open communication, students learn to express their thoughts clearly and confidently, a skill that serves them well beyond their school years.
This approach also boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When students engage in discussions, they learn to consider different viewpoints, analyse information, and form well-reasoned arguments. This not only sharpens their minds but also improves their social and emotional intelligence.
Listening, empathising, and responding to others’ ideas also helps them appreciate diversity and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Incorporating teaching oracy into the classroom ensures that these important skills are developed throughout a student’s education, preparing them for success both in school and real life scenarios.
Expert Opinions and Research
The significance of integrating oracy in education is echoed by numerous studies and expert opinions. Research has consistently demonstrated a positive correlation between strong oracy skills and academic performance. For instance, we at the English-Speaking Union (ESU), offer compelling evidence and resources highlighting the transformative power of effective verbal communication.
Educators widely recognise that teaching of oracy leads to noticeable improvements in students’ engagement and learning outcomes. When students are encouraged to express their ideas and listen to others, they become more active participants in their own learning. This not only helps them grasp new concepts more effectively but also makes the classroom a more dynamic and inclusive place.
Statistics from various educational settings back this up. Schools that prioritise the importance of oracy see better academic results and higher levels of student involvement. Incorporating oracy activities into the classroom will not only improve individual success but also creates a more interactive and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Conclusion
The role of oracy in education shouldn’t be understated. It is a critical tool for unlocking students’ potential, both academically and personally.
When we focus on building strong communication skills, we give our students the tools they need to succeed in every aspect of life. Oracy skills help them articulate their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and connect with others. This not only boosts their grades but also prepares them for real-world challenges.
Educators and parents play a crucial role in making this happen. By creating opportunities for students to speak, listen, discuss, and reflect on their ideas regularly, we help them become more confident, empathetic, and better equipped to handle various challenges.
If you’re curious to learn more about oracy education, The English-Speaking Union (ESU) has plenty of great resources and research to explore. By committing to nurturing these essential skills, we can help shape a future generation that is more resilient, adaptable, and articulate.
Let’s work together to make oracy a priority and watch our students thrive!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 4 skills of oracy?
The ESU’s four key skillsets of oracy are reasoning and evidence; listening and response; expression and delivery and organisation and prioritisation.
What does it mean to teach oracy?
Teaching oracy means helping students develop the skills needed for clear speaking and attentive listening, within a structured educational environment.
What is an example of oracy in the classroom?
An example of oracy in action is a classroom debate where students articulate their viewpoints, listen to others, and collaboratively build on ideas, showcasing effective verbal communication.
