Improvisional elaborations over classroom lessons

(based on James Mullooly's dissertation, 2003)

Both sequences have the overall shape of a QAE lesson as formalized by Mehan (1979). In both cases the students' responses are shaped as jokes (as formalized by Sacks 1974) without breaking the classroom frame--that is without the teacher breaking the progression of the class frame: it is as if the jokes had not happened. The class proceeded as if the students had been fully docile in performing what was specifically asked of them.

(further discussion and a more detailed transcript is also available)

Video Clip 1: "Up yours!"

Danielle
Gerardo
Christian
Victor
Edgar
This means wait
[Danielle's arm is outstretched with right
palm facing students]
this means respond
[Danielle's right palm facing the ceiling]
       
  [arms moving across each other rapidly/glancing over
at Christian]
     
    ["Up yours" gesture, i.e., while holding the left are
horizontally in front of his chest, rapidly thrusting his right arm vertically upward, perpendicular to his left arm].
   
 
[**** LAUGH ****]
   

Note the absence of response to this possible breach

 

Video Clip 2: "Oui Oui"

The students have been told to answer "Yes" when the teacher's hand moves down towards them.

Danielle
Gerardo
Christian
Victor
Edgar
Victor?

[switching from "wait" to "respond" hand gesture]

       
      Si  
[ to Christian switching from "wait" to "respond" hand gesture]
       
    Si    
[to Gerardo switching from "wait" to "respond" hand gesture]
       
  Oui, Oui      
[**** LAUGH ****]
        Yes
OK        

 

These are not instances student resistance or misunderstanding:


April 26, 2005