Spoken Discourse: Conversational Maxim #3
(3) Relation
Be relevant.
Classroom example: Today’s lesson is on iambic pentameter in the prologue to Romeo and Juliet. Iambic pentameter is a line of verse . . .
Violation: Today’s lesson is on iambic pentameter in the prologue to Romeo and Juliet. Hey, did anyone catch last night’s season finale of Pretty Little Liars?
Note: We are all guilty of asides, and a tangent is fine, even if it is sometimes not relevant. A side story will often “spice up” a lesson – but be sure to monitor what you’re saying so that you aren’t taking your students in a different direction more often than not. Staying relevant will make a big difference with your ELLs.
(3) Relation
Be relevant.
Classroom example: Today’s lesson is on iambic pentameter in the prologue to Romeo and Juliet. Iambic pentameter is a line of verse . . .
Violation: Today’s lesson is on iambic pentameter in the prologue to Romeo and Juliet. Hey, did anyone catch last night’s season finale of Pretty Little Liars?
Note: We are all guilty of asides, and a tangent is fine, even if it is sometimes not relevant. A side story will often “spice up” a lesson – but be sure to monitor what you’re saying so that you aren’t taking your students in a different direction more often than not. Staying relevant will make a big difference with your ELLs.