“Talking Circle”: Conversation and Negotiation in the ESL Classroom

Language classrooms are often said to provide little opportunity for student‐generated talk and meaningful use of language. However, this research shows that one classroom event, the talking circle, can provide a rich opportunity for students to extend their receptive and productive repertoires in the L2. Moreover, this type of instructional activity creates opportunities for learners to engage in meaningful communication, on the one hand, and to practice recently acquired social and linguistic knowledge, on the other. Both are appropriate activities for the L2 classroom. Results of a microethnographic analysis of one talking circle in an elementary ESL classroom are examined in relation to specific academic, social, and communicative requirements that constrain or enhance language use and language learning. Discussion of these results illustrates the value of ethnographic research in increasing our understanding of talk and interaction in L2 classrooms.