Effective teaching is seamless—a good teacher moves fluidly between teaching and assessing, explanation and response, demonstration and practice. But effective teaching cannot happen unless we model for students how to be effective learners. In this video clip, I show how I work with third graders to do turn-and-talks, where students share what they know and think with one another. This explicit scaffolding helps them self-assess, helps you assess them, and sends the important message that you are inviting and expecting everyone to join the conversation. Everyone needs to contribute their thoughtful comments, and everyone needs to listen well. Good teaching and assessment flow on the current of students' conversation and ideas. At the heart of it all? You want to ensure that all students' voices are heard and valued.

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