Teachers had chosen to change random partners weekly apart from one fortnightly. All had used visuals to show what makes a good talk partner and were giving task related verbal praise. Two teachers were using compliment slips at the end of the week in which nice praise was forthcoming from children to each other.
Children were excited by the talk partners, were making new friends and pairs that normally wouldn’t be put together were working well. There was greater confidence, intrinsic motivation and better listening skills. Children’s self-esteem is higher and they apply their talk partner skills in their play. The class culture is better with improved friendships.