No Discussion Allowed: The Use of Dialogue to Engage Adult Students

Abstract

The backbone of andragogy is the idea that adult students who enter university classes have a wealth of knowledge that they are eager and willing to share. In-class conversations give students the opportunity to present their views and collaborate on better understanding subject matter. To facilitate the student’s involvement in the learning process, discussions, both written and oral, have been considered the accepted method of empowering and encouraging participation. This tool; however, is most effective when students possess working levels of course knowledge. When this knowledge is low or not-existent, the learning and participation expectation levels are seldom met. The use of dialogue is a successful approach that can be employed to meet those expectations.