On translating ourselves: Understanding dialogue and its role in social work education

Abstract

This paper illustrates a pedagogical approach that enhances the development of a student's personal and professional social work identity. By utilizing three principles found in Intergroup Dialogue while learning about issues of race, racism, power and privilege, social work students are engaged in a process that encourages self‐reflection and discovery. Intergroup Dialogue (IGD) is a program created by the University of Michigan that facilitates dialogues across different social group identities. Using Mikhail Bakhtin's concepts of the dialogic, setting of engagement, and carnival, three principles of Intergroup Dialogue will be explored and their benefits discussed.