When students are given space to talk, learning comes alive. But not all talk is equal—expanded student talk is about purposefully designing opportunities for learners to use language and active listening to process ideas, challenge perspectives, and make meaning together. Research shows that authentic student talk is often limited in classrooms, yet when it does happen, it builds literacy, critical thinking, collaboration, agency, and confidence.

So how do we move beyond surface-level participation to create discussions that are rich, inclusive, and competency-aligned? How do we scaffold the speaking and listening skills students need in order to engage in academic discourse—and ensure those opportunities happen consistently across subjects and grade levels?

In this Zone, you will investigate what expanded student talk looks like in practice, explore protocols and strategies that elevate the quality of discourse, and consider how student talk can serve as both a learning experience and a powerful stream of formative assessment.