Neurodiversity acknowledges that all learners interact with and perceive the world differently. This means that there is no right way to learn, which provides validation and support for establishing equitable learning environments. As I reflect on my time in higher education, I must recognize that the standard ways of presenting information are outdated and exclusive. […]
“Remember that your authority over other human beings is an artificial construct.” [1] I’ve been asking people about their core values and characteristics when they are at their best for over 20 years. I was introduced to this practice through the field of restorative justice. I witnessed mentors help groups identify their core values in […]
In her recent book The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker impels us to prepare well for our gatherings. She reminds us to probe with questions such as: Who is this event for? What do they most want to get from it? Whether preparing for an executive leadership retreat, a 90th birthday party, or a virtual […]
I had the privilege of participating in a life-changing wildlife educational experience about black bears. When I got home after the first year, I felt I hadn’t made the most of this incredible opportunity. A guided learning journal I created for year two helped me remember what I learned and transfer the learning to action […]
Adults learn best when respect, safety, inclusion, relevance, immediacy and engagement are all present within the learning experience. A distillation of years of educational research, these six core principles are the building blocks of Dialogue Education™. Effective questions, so key to dialogue and learning, are designed with these same core principles in mind. RESPECT: Adults […]
We’ve all been on the receiving end of a poorly-framed question in a learning situation. You know the ones I’m talking about, where your first response is “What’s she getting at?” Or, after a powerful and evocative video clip the facilitator asks, “So… did you like it?” As educators, we rarely intend to shut learners’ […]
On a recent Sunday morning, I was up early and listened to On Being with Krista Tippett. This morning’s broadcast guest was Pádraig Ó Tuama, who is a poet, theologian, and extraordinary healer in our fractured world. He leads the Corrymeela community of Northern Ireland, a place that has offered refuge since the violent division that defined Ireland […]
I know the power of the open questions. I design with them, facilitate with them, and evaluate with them. But, are they enough? I often feel that some people are good at giving me just what they think I want. I ask a question and they give me an answer with just enough detail to […]