Posts made by Elizabeth Wallace

Meg, when the Symposium planners sent out the call for presenters, we were delighted to see that learners would have the opportunity to take part in yours. I have heard from many people that it was very meaningful to have them involved, and thanks to all of you for your contribution.

I'm so glad you put up the link for me, and for others who couldn't attend your session. I hope that the other activities around the Symposium will assist you as you move forward.

Quirien and Ava, you have pointed out two huge issues that I also have identified as real head scratchers. One is the issue of young learners who are "required" to go through a set curriculum, leaving very little time for helping them learn how to engage in dialogue. And then there's Ava's idea of "wrestling" with learning.  

For myself, I am convinced that the education system should put more emphasis on learning how to learn, and less on providing content. As Jane said, information is now available on the Internet on any topic, so we don't have to rely on a learned teacher to be the only source. This is not a new idea, but when will the powers that be act on it?

And as for hard work in wrestling with learning, I'd really like to get to a point where that is seen as an enjoyable way to spend time. Young children learn through play, and for some that's an intense, engrossing experience -- often with laughter. At what age do we lose that?

What a joyful keynote address we heard this morning, as Jane opened up the Symposium. The smiles, the laughter, the animated dialogue...all evidence that the audience was engaging enthusiastically with the ideas presented.

At several points, Jane asked us to talk with each other about the 7 design steps (considering Who, Why, When, Where, What and What For) and exchange ideas about the 12 principlesand practices of dialogue education(needs assessment, safety, sound relationships, sequence/reinforcement, ideas/feeling/actions, immediacy, clear roles, teamwork, praxis, respect, engagement, accountability).

What was the highlight of the session for you? What new learning occurred? Did you make any "quantum leaps" ?  We invite you to continue the dialogue here.

These are very good issues to raise, Quirien.  How difficult it is for us all to prevent our own biases and opinions to colour our interpretation of what others are saying. 

Throughout the symposium there were examples of the ways in which educators are engaging in dialogue with learners and of course with each other. It became clear that there are as many ways of facilitating dialogue as there are participants. As an adult educator, I embrace the principles of dialogue education described by Jane and Marian, but I'm still thinking about how those principles apply with younger learners.

What are your thoughts?

The energetic discussion after Susan's presentation at the conference was evidence of how much she had influenced her audience, if that's what you mean by the power of influence, Marc. I'm so sorry that Blaine was not presenting. I only exchanged a few words with him but he made a great impresssion on me.

I'd be interested in hearing whether you have a more precise definition of "power of influence" than the generic one that I'm assuming you mean. Although I have been influenced by many people in my life (and not always to good effect) one thing I have always lacked is mentoring. I would have loved to have a wise person to offer me guidance, support and guidelines for satisfaction in life.  Perhaps that's why I try and mentor younger people in any way I can, and hope that I influence them in some small way.