From Jane's Back Porch

by Jane Vella, Ed.D.
GLP Founder

In their workshop on Polarities at the Vermont Dialogue Education Institute, Mary Nations and Karen Ridout used a Mobius strip to show how we need not only hold the opposites, but we can fold the opposites. That's is what happens in a Dialogue Education design in terms of challenge and safety.

Learning is always challenging if it is significant and meaningful. In this war-weary century, we have no time for learning that is less than serious, demanding and transforming. Without the principle of safety, our designs would drive adult learners back to their homes, newly aware of how little they can learn. With this principle at work, men and women hang in and do the hard work that learning demands.

Safety is akin to that saving grace G.K. Chesterton spoke of--"the saving grace of a sense of humour." It is as simple to provide as were the mandates from my good mother many years ago: greet someone by their name, say please and thanks you, Yes, ma'am. No sir.

Safety is comprehensive: are the materials for the course legible, accessible, aethetically pleasing? Is the site bright and roomy? Are the small groups thoughtfully formed? Are the visuals large and bold? Is the time frame appropriate for this group of adults? Safety touches every aspect of the design.

The professor's safety in a Dialogue Education course is also important: as safe as I feel with my colleagues and with the design, so safe can I make students feel. And all of this is in the name and for the purpose of learning.

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