Staff and student experiences of dialogue days, a student engagement activity

Abstract

This paper reports the findings from a descriptive phenomenological exploration of the lived experience of dialogue days, a student engagement activity, from the perspectives of staff and students. I suggest that dialogue days enhance the relational and emotional aspects of learning with the potential to impact on future student engagement and motivation. In the discussion, I consider the role of the self and the importance of community within a concept of ‘relational pedagogy.’ In conclusion, I propose that dialogue days are one way to develop relational pedagogy as a means to enhance student engagement.

Keywords:

• dialogue
• relational pedagogy
• student engagement

Acknowledgements

I thank SEDA for the Research and Evaluation Grant which helped me to get started with this research, the student researchers who transcribed the interviews and all the staff and students who have enthusiastically participated in dialogue days over the last few years.