Monday, August 15

Listening to Children

Children should be seen and not heard! – Traditional Kiwi folk saying
Will someone think of the children?
– Mrs. Rev. Lovejoy, The Simpsons

In this essay, I will argue for the need for teachers to listen to children. Authentic skilful, two-way communication is an act of power sharing, which serves learners, teachers and society.
To make my case I will use three compelling arguments: The Argument from Rights, The Argument from Education Theory and The Argument from Ability. While I think any of these arguments is persuasive in itself, the three together comprise a solid foundation for a shift to a teaching paradigm with communication as its foundation.
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