Dialog and Its Value of True Education, Research Paper Example

The unique meaning of a dialog and its values in education

Dialogue and conversation are not just the means that educators use, but also are essentials that mentors try to cultivate in the local culture and setting. Paulo Freire, who views dialogue as an educational form, said that dialogue is “the encounter between men, mediated by the world, in order to name the world.” (Freire, p. 126) This is an interesting and a brilliant idea to analyze with the additional thinking of such great minds as Jurgen Habermas, Hans-Georg Gadamer, David Bohm and others.

Conversation is a method of approaching to an understanding between humans. Hans-Georg Gadamer, philosopher, noted that it “is a process of two people understanding each other”. (Gadamer, p. 347). When persons are having a conversation, knowledge is not necessarily a fixed thing.  It comes from an interaction. Gadamer states that every human has his or her own so-called “horizons” of understanding. Therefore, he implies that each person has their own vision which differs and varies. And the result of the conversations people have is not to win over somebody, but more to develop a bigger understanding of each other without prejudices as well as gain more knowledge.

According to the dictionary explanation, word “dia” means two or between and “logos” is referring to a speech. Therefore, dialogue is a speech between the two individuals and a particular interaction. It involves emotions and virtues such as concern, affection, trust, hope, respect, etc. Some scholars argue that the best teaching comes when the professor takes out the information from personal life, from inside and by doing so wins total students’ confidence. Martin Buber, who greatly contributed to the encounter and dialogue in the education, has noted that: “Then he can gain the pupil’s confidence; he can convince the adolescent that there is human truth, that existence has a meaning”. (Hodes, p. 137)

According to Freire dialogue is an inevitable part of human nature. In his works he wrote that people need each other because through the process of communication we discover things. Discussion itself is a foundation of the social process. He noted that in the dialogue usually one person deposits knowledge while the other one is receiving. It’s again not a situation where someone is trying to win over somebody but it is a creative process of communication.

When thinking about emotions and virtues that appear in the dialogue, it is often referred to as an ideal speech situation.  Habermas, a social theorist, thinks that what it does to people is providing a way to explore and interpret the distortions. Maybe as Freire says dialogue simply cannot happen between those who want to name the world and others who withdraw from naming it.

David Bohm, a well known physicist who stands behind the fundamentals of quantum theory and science, when doing his professional analysis and experiments, noted that dialogue is an interaction where the two individuals must withdraw the assumptions. He believes that the people have to view each other as peers. He wrote that dialogue “is essentially a conversation between equals”. (Bohm, p.67) Otherwise, dialogue will lose its essence. Bohm also believes that there should always be present some kind of facilitator.

Nowadays we spend a lot of time talking about TV, school, life, etc. Dialogues occur in corporations, classrooms, federal institutions, etc. They is often used to assist people to resolve their ongoing conflicts and to create a setting where persons try to learn new perspectives. Dialogues help us to withdraw from stereotypes and establish trust. What we see as a dialogue today is probably far from what Freire described in his works. However, by means of dialogue people learn new things and develop broader understanding of the world around. The scholars’ views differ at some points, but mostly they agree that dialogue is an essential channel to communication and interaction.

So why is dialogue important? Because for each of us, individuals, it is essential to understand each other and the global community in general. Through dialogue we build the relationships with others around the world. Dialogue is not a debate but more a conversation that involves a two way interaction. It’s a way of communication where we get a chance to express and define ourselves as well as allow others to do the same. It is a two way street where each of the parties is learning about others and self. Dialogue allows people to create an open and friendly atmosphere.

When talking dialogue into an educational institution and its setting, this way of cooperation and interaction is essential. There should not be much of an argument about the educational programs set for students because they have been carefully planned out and analyzed. Each individual by attending educational institution is gaining more and more knowledge and professionalism in various areas of studying. Through dialogues and communication with college professors, peer colleagues and guests, students get a chance to become well-rounded individuals. The education people receive within the walls of an institution such as school, college or university is important. School setting is a unique environment that educates and prepares the students to go into the adult world.

However, it is also important to note that university or college must function in a dialogue between the system and the students as individuals. When the conversation between the two is well established and heard out, it can bring about positive changes for both. Dialogue is a delicate conversation. Therefore, both professors and students must pay careful attention to the opinions and perceptions of each other in order to avoid problematic situations. Students must be an integral part of the educational system, not just its blind followers. Through the intellectual dialogue, both parties can gain creative outcome and results which can lead to the general improvement and innovations of the educational system.

References

Bohm, D., Factor, D. and Garrett, P. (1991). “’Dialogue – a proposal’, the informal education Archives”. London: Routledge. p. 67

Freire, P. (1972). “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”. Harmondsworth: Penguin. p. 126

Gadamer, H-G. (1979). “Truth and Method”. London: Sheed and Ward. p. 347

Hodes, A. (1972). “Encounter with Martin Buber”. London: Allen Lane/Penguin. p. 137