Huh?
Tuesday, September 2nd by carla- Fact: Most adolescents can hear and process about 140-145 words per minute.
- Fact: Most adults speak at about 170 words per minute.
- Conclusion: Students might do a little better in school if teachers spoke more slowly.
That’s the suggestion, at least, of Wichita State audiology professor Ray Hull. According to a recent article by Suzanne Perez Tobias, Hull states, “If teachers would slow down, they would be less frustrated, the children would be less frustrated, and children would learn with greater ease.” He also believes fewer students would be diagnosed as having learning disabilities if teachers would practice speaking at about 124 words per minute, the same speed as Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.
A few years ago an inclusion teacher was assigned to work with students in my classes. We struggled to find the right balance between her area of expertise and mine, and, sadly, we never really succeeded. One thing she did that just drove me crazy was to speak to the class very slowly. I used to listen to her and think, “They’re not in sixth grade!”
But apparently she was on to something. She knew that kids on IEPs needed time to let her words “sink in” as she explained how to do something.
My last period class this year is large, lively, and cooperative. I been surprised to find, however, that I have to repeat at least 3 times the same set of directions that needed only 1 explanation in the earlier class. The class presents an interesting mix of educational needs. I’m going to try slowing down my speech and see what happens. I won’t speak as slowly as my colleague, but with practice, perhaps I can match Mr. Rogers.
One could do worse.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:30 am
Uh huh. My English classes always look at me and start waving when I start talking too fast. I have learned to look at their eyes and then ask if I need to repeat or say whatever it was in a different way. Usually we end up repeating and then finding a way to look at the term or problem from a different perspective. They seem to do better when they have to make up their own examples.
But you are right, slower speech and eye contact makes so much difference. And when they ALL call out the answers at the same time, they also learn more.
Isn’t it great that WE are still learning too.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Yet another awesome informative post! I learn a lot from your blog and it’s still written in a fun and accessible way. I don’t usually comment when I enjoy at your posts, but I thought I would this time. Well done.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Nancy, it’s good that your students give you that immediate feedback when you’re going too fast. It’s even better that you respond to it appropriately. Apparently that level of communication isn’t happening enough in classrooms.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Ailia, thanks so much! I hope your school year is going well.
September 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
I do believe this post has changed my teaching style!
I have been so frustrated with my students (grades 10-11), at times, as they asked me to repeat numerous times what I had just said…what I had just said in about 250 words a minute! I just had not thought about my speed…slow-mo is okay at times!
This is an especially helpful tip with the ELL students.
Thanks!
September 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Tammy, speaking more slowly has helped with my last period class. I hope it helps with your students, too. Keep us posted!
September 12th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
I think you make a good point. I am in college studying to be a teacher, and I’m learning about accomodating students with disabilities. They do not process information as quickly as other students, so speaking slowly will help them learn. I’ve also learned that things you do to help accomodate learning disabilities, are actually beneficial for everyone.
September 15th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
[…] Mrs. T. @ 10:38 pm Tags: hispanic heritage month, language learning, Spanish, Teaching I just read this post from The English Teacher Blog, and I feel guilty enough to write a whole post about […]