Induction | Vision and Values Generation Global - Pedagogy Teaching students good dialogue. Induction | Vision and Values A Project of the Tony Blair Institute

What we do 8 years Over 250 000 students Over 2800 VCs 30+ countries 10 000 + teachers trained Almost 3000 schools

Religions are internally diverse Aside from the obvious formal differences within traditions represented by differing sects or there are differences within sects or expressions because religious communities function in different social/political contexts.  One example is the debate regarding the roles of women in Islam.  The following assertions are also commonly repeated: “Buddhists are nonviolent”, “Christians oppose abortion”, “religion and science are incompatible”, etc.  All of these comments represent particular theological assertions as opposed to factual claims representing the tradition itself.

Religions Evolve and Change An example is that of the practice of slavery which has been both justified and vilified by all three monotheistic traditions in differing social and historical contexts. In a more specific example, the Southern Baptist convention in the United States passed a series of resolutions in the 1970s supporting the moral legitimacy of abortion and reversed those resolutions in 2003.

Religion and Culture Religions are collections of ideas, practices, values, and stories that are all embedded in cultures and not separable from them. Just as religion cannot be understood in isolation from its cultural (including political) contexts, it is impossible to understand culture without considering its religious dimensions. In the same way that race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic class are always factors in cultural interpretation and understanding, so too is religion.

Essentials of Dialogue Resources Essentials of Dialogue External, public version live in February Refined and simplified version of classroom resource Growing endorsement including UNESCO, UK Dept of Education, Club de Madrid US Endorsements

Why Does Dialogue Matter? DEBATE WINNER/ LOSER DISCUSSION SHAKE THE ISSUE APART TO UNDERSTAND IT BETTER

Why Does Dialogue Matter? DIALOGUE DIA + LOGOS through + words Dialogue is finding meaning through words

Why Does Dialogue Matter? Dialogue and Religious Education Finding meaning and significance in religion and belief Developing an attitude of open-mindedness Developing critical thinking

Essentials of Dialogue Skills of Dialogue Speaking honestly, openly and personally. Listening deeply and actively to what people are saying. Asking good questions that encourage people to tell their stories in more depth and reinforce understanding. Disagreeing respectfully with others. Thinking critically; analysing what you hear. Reflecting upon your experience.

Essentials of Dialogue HIGHLIGHTS GENERATION GLOBAL Essentials of Dialogue

Essentials of Dialogue The Art of Listening

Essentials of Dialogue Structure: ‘Listen to Me’ Stand up, Hand up, Pair up

Essentials of Dialogue Structure: ‘Listen to Me’ What are the most valuable things in your life?

Pedagogical Reflection Essentials of Dialogue Pedagogical Reflection Questions & answers in class – the usual suspects. Empowers & supports less confident. Equalises status. Encourages more confident to teach. Begins to change the classroom culture. Lays foundation for dialogue – speaking & listening.

What is the difference between helpful and unhelpful questions? Essentials of Dialogue “To clarify” “To show what they know” “To challenge” “To confuse people” “To find out more about something” “To get to know someone better” Why do people ask questions? “To make a statement” “To show they are interested” “To understand better” “To get attention” “To distract/ Go off topic” What is the difference between helpful and unhelpful questions?

Encourages, draws out, elicits deeper information. Essentials of Dialogue What is a Good Question? Encourages, draws out, elicits deeper information. Helps person to tell their story in a way you can understand. Shows you are analysing what you hear. How can we help people to ask good questions?

Essentials of Dialogue The Art of Questioning “An estimated 40% of all questions that people utter are actually statements in disguise. Another 40% are really judgments in disguise.” William Issacs

Becoming an Active Listener Essentials of Dialogue Becoming an Active Listener Pay attention Show that you are listening Provide feedback Defer Judgement Respond appropriately.

Essentials of Dialogue The Art of Listening Eyes Ear Focused Attention Heart

Essentials of Dialogue What is Identity? Write down your own definition in silence Take turns sharing with your group Stand up and reach a consensus – sit when you’ve done it – make sure everyone knows. Sharing

Essentials of Dialogue Components of Identity Is there anything missing? What might you add?

Essentials of Dialogue Components of Identity One thing I love about being __________ is: One thing that is hard about being __________ is: One thing that I want others to know about being __________ is: One thing that I never want to hear again about being __________ is:

A Handful of Influences Essentials of Dialogue A Handful of Influences A handful of influences – Individually, on a piece of paper, draw the outline of a hand. On each digit write one the things that have been the biggest influence on your life.

Essentials of Dialogue Partner up. Person A has 1 min to share their influences Person B listens, then has 30 seconds to feedback...

Essentials of Dialogue Expectations Creating a safe space for dialogue. p17