My understanding of the concept “Scholarship as a conversation”
It is suggested that it is
an idea of constant and continual dialogue within an academic community
(students), research community, specialists or professionals. The resultant
being: gaining new understandings, interpretations and also making discoveries over
time. This is all because of opposing views, perceptions and understandings of participants.
Where
is/was this concept practised by me?
This made me reflect on
my History seminars when I was doing my Honours in 2015. At the weekly seminar,
we (students) would submit our weekly written work (essay) about the topic for
that week. Before submitting, each one of us (9 x students) would give an
opinion of the topic e.g. Missionaries as tools of colonialism. Some students
might agree with what I said, others might disagree with what I said. But it
was constructive criticism, with the lecturer also pitching in. During the
seminar (2.5-3hrs), ideas gets changed, reinforced or supported. New ideas or
perspectives gets formulated, all this from the differing and opposing
perspectives of fellow students.
How
may this concept be enhanced in learners?
I have applied this
concept in my tutorials (Humanities studies), without realising it. I would divide
the class into 3 or 4 groups (5 students each group), depending on the amount
of students. I would give them an article to read in class, with each group
given questions on the article. Each group will answer the questions, with the
other (opposing) groups either agreeing or disagreeing with the answers given,
whilst also giving their (opposing group) input with regards to the question. I
encourage students to engage each other, also tutorials are generally smaller
classes, and even the normally introverted student also contributes. Sometimes the
answers and views one gets is not what you would expect, but the point is that
students enjoy engaging each other. More importantly, they learn from each
other while also giving new ideas and perspectives. It is very encouraging to
see students learn and engage each other as I merely have to facilitate and
steer the discussion.
Here is a YouTube link explaining "Scholarship as a conversation"
