On Teaching and Learning:   Putting the Principles and Practices of Dialogue Education into Action

    Jane Vella | November 2007 | Jossey-Bass | ISBN: 978-0-7879-8699-5

On Teaching and Learning takes the ideas explored in renowned educator Jane Vella’s best-selling book Learning to Listen, Learning to Teach to the next level and explores how Dialogue Education has been applied in educational settings around the world. Throughout the book, she shows how to put the principles and practices of Dialogue Education into action and uses illustrative stories and examples from her extensive travels. Dialogue Education values inquiry, integrity, and commitment to equity—values that are also central to democracy. Learners are treated as beings worthy of respect, recognized for the knowledge and experience they bring to the learning experience. Dialogue Education emphasizes the importance of safety and belonging. It is an approach that welcomes one’s certainties and one’s questions. 

On Teaching and Learning was nominated for the 2008 Cyril O. Houle Award for Outstanding Literature in Adult Education.

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"This book is just in time for me or anyone interested in designing face-to-face and online courses. It demonstrates through the use of sound principles and practices how a seven-step design can be used to infuse structure throughout the college course or training workshop without sacrificing spontaneity or creativity. Vella has written a marvelously engaging, insightful and resourceful book which can be used as a template for making anyone feel comfortable heading into the classroom or teaching online whether they are a new or experienced instructor.”

-- Virginia H. Milhouse, Associate Professor and Fulbright Professor of Intercultural and International Relations, University of Oklahoma

“Jane Vella and dialogue-based education go hand-in-hand. Through On Teaching and Learning her insights deepen, her experience shows through, and her gift for useful application shines. Loaded with ideas, practical suggestions and illustrations this book will connect with the deeper purpose and process of creating learning no matter the subject matter. Vella has a way of giving us structure and freedom, encouragement and nudging provocation to rise to our best as trainers and educators. This is an apple on any teacher’s desk.  Keep it close.”

-- John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding,
Joan B. Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies,
University of Notre Dame