Oracy, the ability to express oneself fluently in spoken language, is an essential skill in childhood development and research has increasingly pointed out its critical role in shaping a child's future. Statistic show that children who struggle with language at the age of five are six times less likely to reach the expected standard in English by age 11, and even more concerning, ten times less likely to achieve the expected level in maths. This underlines the profound impact of oracy on a child's academic and cognitive development. SO how does oracy support a child’s growth and academic development? Published research offers strong evidence of the following:
Enhancing Cognitive Development and Academic Achievement
Oracy is intricately linked to cognitive development and academic success. A study by Resnick, Asterhan, and Clarke (2015) in the journal 'Educational Psychologist' highlights that structured ‘classroom talk’ improves critical thinking and comprehension. This improvement in cognitive skills is reflected in academic performance, particularly in areas requiring complex thought and understanding.
In terms of cognitive test scores (e.g. the UK CAT4), a research study by Murphy et al. (2017) in 'Learning and Instruction' found that children participating in guided discussions showed significant improvements in verbal reasoning and cognitive abilities. Engaging in thoughtful dialogue requires children to process information, reason, and articulate their thoughts, thereby enhancing their cognitive functions.
Our academic programmes at Academic Asia are planned with this experience and evidence very much to mind and we aim to ensure that all of our students benefit from this critical contribution to their learning and academic progress.
Promoting Holistic Child Development
Oracy goes beyond academic benefits. It plays a crucial role in the overall development of a child. In the ‘Cambridge Primary Review’, Alexander (2010) states that effective oral communication skills are fundamental for social and emotional learning. These skills enable children to express their emotions, empathise with others, and build strong and lasting relationships.
Regarding a child’s personal development, a study by Duff, Tomblin, and Catts (2015) in 'Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research' proved that early language skills are strong predictors of later social skills. Children with robust oracy skills tend to have better self-esteem and are more resilient in dealing with challenges. It is worth noting that their ability to deal with challenges is a key factor in their later interviews for UK boarding schools.
Strengthening Debating and Reasoning Skills
Oracy is instrumental in developing a child's debating and reasoning abilities. Mercer and Littleton (2007) in their work 'Dialogue and the Development of Children's Thinking' emphasize that structured argumentation and discussion enhance critical thinking and reasoning skills. Through oracy, children learn to formulate arguments, evaluate evidence, and consider different viewpoints.
Participation in debates and structured discussions allows children to practice these skills in a real-world context. A research project by the UK Education Endowment Foundation (2015) found that children engaged in oracy activities showed improved reasoning and were better at constructing and defending arguments.
Early Detection of Language Delays
Oracy also plays a pivotal role in the early identification of language delays. Regular interactions and conversations provide opportunities for parents and educators to notice any difficulties in a child's language development. Research by Law, Rush, Schoon, and Parsons (2009) in the 'Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry' found that early identification of language difficulties through observation of oracy skills leads to more effective interventions.
The significance of early detection cannot be overstated. Early intervention programmes for language delays can significantly improve outcomes for children and these interventions are crucial in helping children overcome language barriers and achieve academic success ('Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research' (2016)).
So therefore…..
Oracy is a fundamental skill that underpins a child’s academic, cognitive, and social development. The evidence is clear: fostering oracy from an early age has far-reaching benefits. It not only improves cognitive abilities and academic performance but also aids in the overall personal development of a child. Moreover, it equips children with essential debating and reasoning skills and aids in the early detection of language delays.