What is the Conversation Learning Theory?
The Conversation Learning Theory was created by a man named Gordon Pask. Pask created this theory from his work with cybernetics where he described human-machine interaction as a type of conversation. Pask felt that it was a process where each participant learns from the other.
Conversations can be conducted in various levels:
- Natural Language (general discussion)
- Object Languages (for discussing subject matter)
- Metalanguages (for talking about learning /language)
We learn every day during general discussion. In classrooms you use object languages to discuss certain subjects. We also use Metalanguages to specifically talk about learning and language used.
The procedure for learning in the conversational theory is the “teachback” where one person teachers another what they have learned. There are two different types of learners according to Pask.
- Serialists- learning progresses through a logical structure in a sequential fashion.
- Holists- learning progresses through making higher order relations.
Principles of Conversation Theory
In order to learn, students must be able to find and learn the relationships among the concepts. Having explicit explanation, or opportunities for manipulation and self discovery of the subject matter leads to understanding. As with many other learning theories, people differ in their preferred manner of learning relationships.
Conversation Theory and Constructivism
Conversation theory and constructivism share similarities in many ways. One way is that they each require participation by both the learner and the teacher. Also, at times it is not clear who is actually the learner and who is the teacher. The lessons are more open ended, and they learning is not always the same.
Also, Conversation theory and Constructivism are both about determining how people create their own understanding. They both mention that the learner who creates their own understand of the content will have better retention.
Example of Conversation Theory in the Classroom
We are constantly involved in conversations in the classroom, and I believe that as people we are always learning and conversing either with ourselves, another, or even what we see. Our mind is always working out ideas, evolving and building on what we know.
One way you might use this theory specifically in your classroom is find a way to use the touchback strategy with the students. For example, during a unit on Ancient Rome, students learn about Athens and Sparta. They are very different from one another, and it is important to understand their differences and why they believed what they did in order to really understand how their governments ran, and their success/failures.
Students could be assigned either Sparta, or Athens, and given specific information to look up on each. Such as educational beliefs, treatment of women, government structure, trade. Once each student has researched their city, they will work with another student who did the opposite city to teach them about their city, and learn about the other students city. Since both cities has such drastic differences in their government, and treatment of women for example there would be more complex conversations between the students. Also you could have them make a decision about which place they would rather live if they had to choose.
(Image from Pangaro.com)
Links for more information:
References
Communication theory.org (2016) Conversation Theory in Interpersonal Communication, Psychology, Behavior and Social Sciences. http://communicationtheory.org/conversation-theory/
Pangaro (1996) Cybernetics and Conversation. http://pangaro.com/published/cyb-and-con.html
Richard Culatta. (2016) Conversation Theory (Gordon Pask) http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/conversation-theory.html
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