Are dialogic teaching-and-learning programs effective in pre-primary and primary schools? A meta-analysis

Dialogic Teaching-and-Learning (DTL) has been widely regarded as a productive educational approach in enhancing effective teaching practices and learning quality. This meta-analysis synthesized effects from 32 (quasi-)experimental studies evaluating DTL programs implemented in pre-primary and primary schools. The results revealed that DTL programs had significant positive effects on teacher professional development, teacher-child talk, child talk and child outcomes, while the overall effect on teacher talk was negative but not statistically significant. Characteristics of the studies and programs moderated the effect sizes of the DTL programs. The findings suggest that DTL programs are beneficial for fostering teacher professional development, improving classroom dialogue and supporting child development.