I was pleased to see the importance of classroom talk being recognised in last week’s article. But I was horrified by its headline (“Teachers branded ‘useless’ at class discussion by training expert”, October 8). I would never attack teachers in that way and can only hope that your readers found out what I really think from reading the rest of the article. Research has shown how teachers can make classroom discussion highly effective. My point is that they should be given the opportunities and resources to do so.

Neil Mercer, University of Cambridge.