Teacher Talk vs Student Talk Through the Lens of Fiacs in Fiji

This research aims to investigate the disparities of teacher talk versus student talk in two teaching environments using Flanders Interaction Analysis Category System, the classroom verbal interaction analysis tool of Ned Flanders. The sample comprised of two teachers with an average of 30 students in each classroom. The FIACS tool, a systematic methodology for categorizing and analysing verbal interactions in the classroom, was utilized to quantify the percentages of teacher discourse and student talk in the two observations. The study employed a Descriptive quantitative research methodology. The findings revealed a predominantly teacher-centric approach, with teacher talk accounting for more than 70% in each classroom. In contrast, the level of student talk was notably lower. These findings emphasize the difference in contributions between teachers and students in the classroom, indicating that teachers largely depend on teacher-centred practices, which restricted student involvement and participation. The FIACS tool facilitated a systematic and unbiased examination, providing significant insights into the interaction patterns of the two primary school teachers in Fiji.