Develop students’ oracy with these activities — from timeshighereducation.com. by Paul Demetriou
Oracy skills can empower graduates to contribute meaningfully to societal challenges in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world, says Paul Demetriou, who shares practical advice
University students should be able to speak well about their subject, but they don’t automatically learn to question, reason and defend ideas simply by studying it. Many students have underdeveloped critical thinking skills when they enter higher education, because primary and secondary education often emphasises rote memorisation over analytical thinking. In addition, students transitioning to university might find it challenging to adapt to independent and self-directed learning, which demands deeper reasoning and justification of ideas.
The ability to question, reason and defend is crucial in today’s world, in which graduates must navigate misinformation, solve complex problems and make informed decisions. These skills can empower graduates to engage in debates and innovate in professional settings and contribute meaningfully to societal challenges in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world. Here are strategies to develop these skills in the classroom.