Michael Burri

Teaching Dialogic Speaking Strategies in a Canadian EAP Program

In response to underdeveloped academic speaking skills of students studying an English for Academic Purposes program in Canada, Chapter 8 introduces a ‘Six Thinking Hats’ approach to academic speaking. These six elements include summarizing, expressing opinions, clarifying, forecasting, and providing alternative ideas, all functional skills needed to engage in academic group spoken discourse. The authors provide sample language for each function and a coordinated plan to encourage student use thereof.