Transforming Professional Practice in Education: The Power of Dialogue

By Simon Gibbs, David Leat, and Wilma Barrow, this book delves into the significance of enhancing dialogue in educational institutions to improve professional relationships and practices.

A Critique of the Current State of Education

The authors contend that education should be focused on “being and becoming human,” emphasizing that learning is a relational process that occurs through dialogue with others. They argue that traditional, systems-driven approaches to education often neglect the importance of human relationships, leading to professional isolation and a lack of mental health and wellbeing.

A Case for Psychologically Robust Educational Methods

Offering a refreshing alternative to reductive procedures, the authors build a strong case for incorporating psychological approaches into professional practice. By doing so, they provide a theoretically well-grounded rationale for promoting debate about the true purposes of education.

Practical Examples and Applications

The book is rich in practical examples, exploring topics such as:

• The risks of professional isolation and how to mitigate them
• The distinction between ethics and morals in education
• The nature of relationships in educational settings
• Interventions that can ground these ideas in practice

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is essential reading for:

• Clinical, educational, and applied psychologists seeking to improve their understanding of educational practices
• SEND Cos and those responsible for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Anyone within educational institutions looking to develop their understanding of how dialogue can enhance professional encounters and improve mental health and wellbeing

With its focus on dialogue and relational learning, this book offers a unique perspective on education and professional practice. Published by Routledge, the book comprises 176 pages and is available in hardcover format. ISBN-10: 036736090X, ISBN-13: 978-0367360900.