Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Dialogic Learning and Socrates
- What is it?
- Research from Robin Alexander (N.D.) states that dialogic learning is the process of using a distinctive talk to motivate and
encourage children's thinking and learning. Dialogic learning is a distinctive type of talk which involves: questions, feedback,
contributions, discussion, positive relationships and classroom organization. Questions used need to be thought out carefully to
ensure children can think about the answer and then discuss it with their peers. The questions would usually be open-ended to
ensure children can fuel deep discussions. Positive relationships are crucial when using a dialogic approach to teaching because
children need to feel comfortable and secure to discuss their thoughts and opinions. Classroom management is also important as
children need to have visual access to each other to allow conversations to flow naturally.
- According to research from the University of Exeter (N.D), dialogic learning is
a process of allowing children to discuss topics collaboratively. It involves
children listening to each other and then comparing answers and opinions.
Children are able to share their ideas with their peers and teachers without
feeling embarrassed. Teachers are able to ask questions to encourage
children to participate and share their thoughts and ideas. Additionally,
dialogic learning is a process where the children and teacher put their ideas
together to form a conclusion from their discussion.
- According to Cremin and Arthur (2014) dialogic teaching is an inclusive
classroom practice which encourages every child to listen to their peers,
respond to their answers and share their thoughts in more depth than
they normally would.
- Where did it all begin?
- Over 2400 years ago -Socratic Method
- In Ancient Greece, Socrates believed that lecturing was not an effective form of teaching children. They believed it
would be more valuable to work on children's prior knowledge and build up their understanding. Socrates also
believed that dialogue learning increases children's ability to collaboratively communicate and expand on their
peers' ideas. Teachers can use the Socratic approach across the curriculum. Teachers can use this method with the
whole class and across the ranges of abilities. This is because questions can be modified and personalized for
children's individual needs. Using the Socratic method effectively requires the teacher to pose questions and inform
the children that they are not there for judgment but to evaluate and discover their own attitudes and beliefs
towards specific topics. (Coffey, N.D)
- The five key principles of dialogic learning (Robin Alexander, N.D).
- 1) Collective - Children discuss and address the learning task together.
- 2) Reciprocal - Sharing Ideas, listening to each other and considering differences
- 3) Supportive - Children are able to express their ideas and opinions without the fear of embarrassment.
- 4) Cumulative - Children develop the ability to build on their peers' ideas and create a chain of thoughts and ideas that flow naturally.
- 5) Purposeful - The classroom discussion should be planned with set goals and structure although it may change.
- In Conclusion: Dialogic learning is an effective way to develop children's social and
communication skills. It is also an appropriate method to develop and deepen
children's understanding of specific topics. It also allows children to gain an
understanding of different perspectives and view points as well as evaluate their own
beliefs and attitudes. Dialogic learning should be used across the curriculum to
ensure children are given the opportunity to discuss a wide variety of topics in depth.