Empowering Disenfranchised Learners: A Collaborative Approach to Discourse

RDB 1000

Schools are a principal influence in the development of a child’s character. However, the invention of traditional schooling did not stem from the desire to create empathetic citizens or innovative thinkers. This contrast is readily apparent in the behavior and mindset of our students. The need to slow down, to converse and interact as human beings with a sense of discovery, rather than fulfilling an agenda, is imperative. While all students are impacted by these trends, some students are affected more than others. Encouraging disenfranchised learners is not an easy task, but it is a worthy endeavor. We invite learners to explore the development of agency and identity through norms, roles, documentation and depth of understanding. We will model and practice the language of reflective listening and collaborative discourse, demonstrating how students develop and generalize these habits. Participants will document thinking, view classroom videos, and engage in collective discussions.