Teacher reflection and forums
brian_drayton@TERC.EDU
Tue, 30 Sep 1997 12:23:02 -0400
Laurie and Miguel are raising interesting questions about the wqualities that make for deep discussion. I think Laurie's phrase about "things that matter most" as the core quality is pivotal. But I think the question is, what seems valuable to discuss *in a particular context.* The nature of electronic exchanges tends to encourage the sharing of information, rather than the kind of dialogic exercise Miguel is advocating.
I wonder whether the rarity of this in many electronic forums is not in part related to the rarity of such conversations in "real life". I think many professional settings, including teachers', do not foster deep explorations about the reasons and meaning of one's professional acts and values. People leading TE projects are often in a position in which they can ask themselves and each other those questions, but I am aware that when I have worked with groups of teachers, it has taken a long time for them to develop the verbal and mental habits that enable a community discussion on this level. It is nota question of ability but of habits, or sometimes of choices about how to use one's time.
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