Dialogues @ School
Dialogues @ School = Dialogues Clubs +/- an Interschool Series.
Dialogues @ School is a simple, practical program any school can join to develop a culture of constructive discussion and “disagreeing well”, with fundamental benefits for students, schools and society at large.
A Dialogues Club is a group of students, large or small, who meet regularly to have civil, constructive discussions on interesting and important issues of their choice. Read more …
In the Interschool Series, schools arrange a dialogue event on the same topic, based on the Big Dialogue public event format adapted to individual school circumstances. The discussions are distilled into a “voice of youth report” and presented to parliaments. Read more …
Schools can choose one or the other, or both, or something in between, e.g. an annual standalone dialogue event, or collaboration on a Dialogues Club between schools.
Be part of a simple, innovative program to help students address arguably the biggest problem we face as a society and as individuals - the growing inability to have constructive discussions about all the other problems we face.
Dialogues @ School Flyer
A 2-page summary of the program parts, purpose and benefits.
A Quick-Start Guide for School Leaders
Our quick-start guide for school leaders explains the program in simple steps and highlights the benefits of fostering open dialogue among students.
Better discussions = a brighter future!
Dialogues @ School is a significant civic and pedagogic initiative to promote civil discourse, helping students to:
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THINK INDEPENDENTLY
SPARK
CURIOSITY
REASON SOCIALLY
DISAGREE BETTER
BENEFITS TO SCHOOLS
Dialogues @ School
teachers’ and principals’ belief in the value of dialogue in education and as a civic necessity
a tool to revive public speaking as a recognised school strength
extra public speaking opportunities for non-debaters (and debaters)
providing the opportunity to apply critical thinking skills in structured group discussion
a way of bringing quieter students out of their shell, or non-debaters who have leadership potential
the opportunity to promote the humanities given the numerous programs promoting STEM subjects
a complementary activity for the Theory of Knowledge curriculum in the International Baccalaureate
demonstrate to respective school communities that the school is "up with” important developments
a way of involving students who don’t make the debating teams (e.g. Dialogues Clubs)
a platform to "give students a voice” and make them feel as if they have one
a way of stimulating less worldly or more complacent students to think and talk about "big issues"
a vehicle for introducing younger students to a core social and intellectual activity
a means of involving STEM and creative students in humanities or policy subject matter
a follow-on to attending The Brisbane Dialogues public events (Big Dialogues) and way of connecting to The Brisbane Dialogues content and network
a live event opportunity for technical, business / hospitality and theatre students - event management, hosting/MC'ing, stage production, filming, sound and light
a platform to build school communities, by involving parents and community figures
