The Oracy Skills Framework
Until recent times, there was no clear specification of the range of skills that are involved in using spoken language to communicate effectively. The Oracy Skills Framework was therefore created by researchers at the University of Cambridge, working with members of School 21 (the first UK school to put oracy firmly into its curriculum).
Specific types of talk situation require different sets of skills. For example, ‘voice projection’ will be important in making a public speech, but not in a personal, face-to-face conversation; while the opposite would probably be the case for ‘listening actively’.
At Harvest Academy Malaysia , the first International GCSE Prep School in Perlis (boarding facilities for Langkawi and Kedah students), has always understand the importance of whole-class discussion. We raise students’awareness of how they talk and work together.
Besides listening skills, students are able to all actively participate at Harvest Academy Malaysia to share relevant information and engage critically but constructively with each other’s ideas.
Authoritative Presentation, in which the teacher does most of the talking to inform students about a subject through a prepared talk or lecture is still a crucial part in delivery new knowledge. At the same time, Interactive Dialogue, in which students are provided the opportunities to take long turns when talking. This encourages students to ask questions about things they do not understand and to share their thoughts and reveal misunderstandings.
