Notes on A Dialogic Teaching Companion by Robin Alexander (2020)
Robin Alexander’s companion is divided into 9 chapters:
- 1. Prologue – Robin Alexander gives a case for teaching talk as an essential tool in teaching and learning. He describes the positive value of dialogic teaching and asserts that there is a strong evidence base for using dialogic approaches. He presents his involvement with oracy since the 1980s. Alexander goes on to consider the broader civic value of dialogic teaching in what he terms a “collision of discourses”.
- Talk for learning – In this chapter, Alexander explores the relationship between talk and the development of a child. He examines the shift in the 1970s between the child as “lone scientist” to “apprentice”. The persistence of recitation and the typical oral classroom interactions are explored. Alexander goes on to explain the research-supported positive benefits of classroom talk. Much of the chapter is given to the way in which talk has been stigmatised by politicians and has been now largely removed from the school curriculum, despite the evidence of its decisive role in teaching and learning. He explains the origins of Oracy as a term and discusses talk as curriculum and talk as pedagogy. He concludes the chapter by insisting on teacher agency and autonomy in order to enable children to think for themselves.
- Versions of dialogue
- Dialogue in other words
- Grand dichotomy
- Ingredient x
- Frameworks and fundamental
- Professional development
- Epilogue