Instructional Conversation (IC)

Add to Comparison

3rd Grade, 5th Grade

About the Intervention

Instructional Conversation (IC) is a pedagogical intervention that is part of the Center for Research on Excellence and Diversity in Education (CREDE) framework. The IC model uses small group discussions (3-7 students) lasting about 20 minutes with clear instructional goals. Teachers lead through topic control while students regulate their own speaking turns. The intervention integrates five CREDE standards: joint productive activity, language and literacy development, contextualization, teaching complex thinking, and teaching through instructional conversations. Teachers implement IC discussions 1-2 times weekly, averaging 30 minutes per session, across content areas including reading, science, math, social studies, and English language arts. The model is designed for all students, particularly English language learners, and requires teachers to complete a 100-hour professional development program before implementation.

Statistical Findings

Positive effect on English language arts for all students

Positive effect on English language arts for English language learners

Positive effect on reading for English language learners

Positive effect on science for English language learners

Positive effect on social studies for English language learners

More Intervention Details

Focus Areas

English Learners

Programs & Services

General Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) Program

Delivery Methods

Face-to-Face

Disability Support

N/A

Target Groups

Student(s), Teachers/Instructional Teams

Source

Diego, B., Manuel, G. C., Melissa E., W. & Pedro R., P. (2018). Early Evaluation Findings from the Instructional Conversation Study: Culturally Responsive Teaching Outcomes for Diverse Learners in Elementary School (EJ1180090). ERIC. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1180090.pdf.

Study Demographics

These charts show the demographic makeup and geographic setting of the research study that evaluated this intervention's efficacy. When assessing the fit of an intervention, consider whether it was found effective in a context similar to your own.

Participant Race

What was the racial breakdown of this study's data sample?

Participant Gender

What was the gender breakdown of this study's data sample?

Other Participant Characteristics

Geographical Setting

What was the setting of this study?