The teacher's strategy in leading a whole-class discussion primarily promotes the development of which skill in students?

The correct answer highlights that leading a whole-class discussion primarily promotes students' participation in academic conversations. This method encourages students to articulate their thoughts, respond to peers, and engage with the content in a meaningful way.

Whole-class discussions create an environment where students practice academic language and critical thinking, as they listen to diverse perspectives and build on classmates' ideas. This interaction not only deepens their understanding of the subject matter but also fosters skills such as reasoning, evidence-based argumentation, and the ability to synthesize information.

By engaging in these discussions, students learn to navigate academic discourse, which is vital for their educational development. This focus on academic conversation distinguishes it from more casual conversation skills or activities primarily centered on collaboration or listening comprehension in isolation. Consequently, the emphasis on academic conversations as the developmental target during whole-class discussions is key to fostering students' skills in a structured and supportive environment.