Dialogue Protocol

Purpose

Modified from the School Reform Initiative protocols, this protocol supports education-focused participants to propose and host dialogues within small groups. The dialogue for this symposium invites peer consultation and critical reflection on the moral purpose in education by drawing on relevant academic research, empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and/ or professional experiences. The protocol is a framework to support active listening and engagement with others, to consider new perspectives and questions, and to develop a clear sense of direction and shared purpose through critical reflection on leading professional learning. 

Total Time

40 minutes

Roles

  • Host (the person sharing their reflections and posing a question(s) for the group) 
  • Facilitator (who keeps time, ensures use of the protocol, guides and participates in the conversation)
  • Consultants (other participants in the group)

Process

  1. Sharing Context, Focus, and Goals in the Reflection (10 minutes)
    The Host provides a brief overview of their work in progress that will be the focus of the dialogue. The Consultants/ other participants actively listen at this stage. The Host does not yet pose any questions for the group until step 3. As they did in their submitted proposal, the hosts should be sure to speak to the following:
    • Information about their work context: who, what, when, where?
    • Connections to relevant academic research, empirical evidence, theoretical frameworks, and/ or professional experiences
    • Reflections on the alignment with the symposium theme of moral purpose,
    • Goals for the dialogue and how feedback may help them think in new ways.

  2. Clarifying Questions (5 minutes) 
    Consultants/participants may ask clarifying questions to gain more  information and clarity on the reflections the host shared in step 1. The goal of these questions is for the consultants to gain sufficient understanding to be able to provide helpful feedback and perspectives to the dialogue Host.

  3. Framing and Posing Reflective Questions (5 minutes)
    The Host may share additional information as needed and then will pose the reflective question(s) for discussion from their submitted proposal.

    A pause is provided for the Consultants to examine the relevant information or materials (e.g., handouts) shared by the Host and how they relate to the question(s) posed. For example, Consultants might consider:
    1. What have we heard?
    2. What did we find within the data?
    3. What might not be relevant?
    4. What questions have been raised for us?
    5. What haven’t we considered/thought about?
    6. What might be the purpose of the questions posed based on what we heard?
    7. What is the purpose of the overarching goal?

  4. Discussion (15 minutes)
    Consultants review and discuss the research, data, theory, and/or professional experiences shared by the Host and the questions posed. The group conversation should be focused on helping the Host work toward their goals. After analyzing the questions posed by the Host, the group will work to define a plan, categorize or reframe issues, and offer alternative strategies. Through this discussion and feedback, Consultants will gain new insights, perspectives, and questions to take back with them as they continue their inquiry.

  5. Reflection by Host (5 minutes)
    The Host verbally reviews what he or she learned based on the problem-solving session and discussion. S/he shares anything that may have resonated during any part of the process, taking the time to explore any further new and/or interesting ideas that arose. 

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