Why do some "turn and talk" moments fizzle out or drift off-topic? Dr. Tia Albig, a sixth-grade teacher and model learner, joins hosts Dr. Roberta Lenger Kang and Dr. Cristina Compton to unpack "purposeful talk" — a framework built on four reasons we talk: to build relationships, play with ideas, argue, and report out. Tia shares how naming these purposes for students transforms classroom conversation from chaotic to intentional, why low-stakes talk is the on-ramp to deeper discourse, and how classroom culture and student dignity make it all possible. A practical, energizing conversation for any educator trying to move beyond surface-level discussion and toward real communication skills that last a lifetime.We’re proud to make this content free and accessible to all. If you find value in our episodes, please consider donating to support and sustain our efforts: https://cpet.tc.columbia.edu/giving.html