“Good Moves” in knowledge-creating dialogue

Abstract

Dialogue is the mainstay of idea-centered education at all levels and is especially important in generating new knowledge or improving existing knowledge. This paper outlines types of “good moves” in knowledgebuilding dialogue – that is, constructive dialogic actions that can contribute to attaining goals of such dialogue – to solve problems, resolve disagreements, generate innovations, new concepts and conceptual structures. The focus of the discourse moves schema is on knowledge creation, with critical thinking entering as an important adjunct. Although only functional elements of knowledge-building dialogue are indicated, not more detailed processes, the scheme is applicable to the design of technological supports for such dialogue and for acquainting students with this kind of dialogue and the competencies that need to go with it.