Dialogues Between Students and Teachers: An Approach for Fostering Professional Learning in Schools

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 7
  In Roundtable Session: Research in Teacher Learning Through Discourses and Dialogues

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a three-year study that explored how dialogue between teachers and students can lead to powerful teacher professional learning in order to ensure that all children are included in lessons. Resonating with this year’s conference theme, “cultivating equitable education systems for the 21st century”, the paper uses illustrative examples to demonstrate how the use of an innovative approach, Inclusive Inquiry, that was used in 30 primary (elementary) schools in five European countries, supported by university researchers, led to new ways of thinking and working amongst teachers. It concludes that dialogues between students and teachers have the potential to challenge teachers to invent new possibilities for engaging students in their lessons.

Authors

• Kyriaki Messiou, University of Southampton

• Mel Ainscow, University of Manchester