The Diamond of Participation,Chris Corrigan
It had been a grueling day and we were winding down for the night. This was our semi-annual Global Learning Partners business retreat and most of the core team was gathered together for more than three intensive days of work.
I admit I was a little cranky,despite the gorgeous setting on the shores of Shelter Harbor in Westerly,Rhode Island. We’d spent the day in cognitive mode and had really haggled over a lot of the details about where to take our business in the next three years. I had a headache.
“Why is it,” I asked,trying to sound genuinely curious,rather than annoyed,“that we’re in a room full of master Dialogue Educators and we’ve just had an un-dialogue day?” I went on a bit,wondering why no one had used the 8-Steps of Design to plan our time,why we’d spent so much time hashing things out in the large group rather than engaging in fun learning tasks.
Being the kind people they are,no one rolled their eyes or snapped a pithy response,and that should have been my first clue that the principles and practices of Dialogue Education had never been absent from the meeting.
“Actually,” said Peter Perkins,“we have been practicing dialogue.” He and the rest of the team patiently listed the principles and practices that had been at work for us throughout the day: respect,safety,teamwork,engagement,relevance,and sound relationships that let us get through the “groan zone” of making some tough decisions. We listened carefully to each other,checked our assumptions (often times more than once),and treated each other with a great deal of respect.
“Dialogue isn’t always easy,” someone said,“but that doesn’t mean the dialogue isn’t working.”
It was one of those revelatory moments. My headache dissipated. I thanked my colleagues and friends.
It was,in short,a day of exceptional dialogue. We learned a lot about each other,made amazing progress in planning GLP’s future,and spent that evening celebrating with Jane Vella for her birthday – lots of laughter,reflection,and good cheer. All the result of good dialogue!
Joan,
Thank you very much for calling me the other day. It was exciting to talk with you in person. I am so excited about D.C. I can hardly wait. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Valerie and I look forward to getting started in incorporating these strategies into my classroom.
Thanks again
Kathy
Glad to hear it,Kathy! Have a great time in DC at the class. Joan
Joan,
Thank you very much. I may have to take a look at my books. I am excited about learning more.
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Yes,we at GLP have a lot of experience in dialogue teaching and learning,what we call Dialogue Education,and we have public courses in which we teach this,and Jane’s books are the perfect introduction. Do visit our website and look around at the offerings to see if something might be of interest,and do browse and read Jane’s books when you’re able. It’s a big subject and the best examples of how it’s been used in the classroom or to improve the classroom lie in Jane’s books.
Check us out at http://www.globalearning.com.
Have fun!
Joan,
Do you have much experience in dialogue teaching and learning? My last class we discussed this a little. Can you maybe share with me some of your experiences and how you have used it in your classroom or to improve your classroom?
Kathy
@ Kathy,oh good,glad you’ll be checking out Jane’s book (when you can). Enjoy!
Glad you got through at last,Kathy.
on teaching and learning by Jane Vella and Dialogue Education at Work:A case book by Jane Vella
Not sure when I will have time to read them since I am in my doctorate program but I am hoping they will help with my class.
This is my first time blogging. I have spent 3 days trying to learn how and get someone to respond to me.
Kathy
@ Kathy,have you tried to post comments before? I’ve not seen your name pop up so I’m sorry if you’ve gotten blocked for some reason.
By the way,what books on dialogue did you buy? Would love to hear!
Hey,
I finally got someone to respond to me. I am so happy. This blogging thing really has me very frustrated. I am very uncertain about what I am doing.
Thanks
Kathy
@ Kathy,welcome,and thanks for stopping by. If you haven’t already checked out our website (www.globalearning.com) do come on over and see what we’ve got there. Enjoy!
Hi,
I am a Walden University doctoral study looking at different educational blog sites. I loved reading your comments. Just had a class on dialogue learning and just bought a couple of books on it.
Thanks
Kathy
Hi Katherine. I am at Waldenu as well. Whata re your thoughts about the idea of allowing more adults the opportunity for effective dialogue?