Correct Response: A. Instructional conversations are gently guided by the teacher but should not be dominated by one particular student or especially by the teacher. Instructional conversations are intended to be discussions, not lectures, and should involve all students in the group. B is incorrect because the goal of academic conversations is to provide students with opportunities to use new academic language, so all students in the small group should be encouraged to participate. C is incorrect because in an instructional conversation, it is the teacher's role—not the students'—to guide the discussion to ensure students' language needs are supported and relevant content objectives are addressed. D is incorrect because in instructional conversations students may be encouraged to discuss experiences and opinions related to the designated topic to help them make connections between prior knowledge and new learning.
