Method 4: Linking (Word-for-word continuation from the previous utterance)

(Word-for-word continuation from the previous utterance, Creating a dialogical moment III, dialogue scene 34, in English 18.)

The goal of this method is to learn how to continue the dialogue from the previous speaker's utterance in a word-for-word manner which results in a chain-like structure of the dialogue and makes it possible to probe the topic deeper. Using word-for-word continuation helps you concentrate on the topic and makes the dialogue proceed in a manner that is reciprocal. It helps the participants focus on the theme of the dialogue instead of jumping from one topic to another.

Remember to consciously observe whether your actions and behaviour follow the principles of philanthropy and reciprocity!

Instructions

• participants are introduced to the method and the idea of linking is demonstrated
• the participants form groups of four persons; the groups must be different from the groups in which the participants worked during the previous tasks
• the theme of the dialogue is formulated into an open question that is important from the perspective of the learning goal (in this context, for example, “how to achieve deep dialogue instead of superficial dialogue?”)
• the groups are given, for example, a large sheet of paper and pens (a different colour for each participant) or a piece of rope or Lego bricks – these props are used to construct links in a dialogue chain
• the participants either draw their turn as one link in the dialogue chain or make a loop in the rope to represent their turn or add one Lego brick to the construction
• observing the rule of symmetry, every participant uses their turn to relate one issue that pertains to the theme of the dialogue
• every participant pays careful attention to what the others say
• always start your turn by using words from the previous speaker's utterance, then add your own thinking in a compact form so that the next speaker can use your words to continue the dialogue
• it is important that you start your turn by repeating another participant's words that are then enriched by your own thinking
• every participant relates five issues and therefore either draws five links into the chain or adds five loops to the rope or five Lego bricks to the Lego construction

Reflection in the learning community: The whole group jointly reflects upon their experiences of the method and thinking that it caused. One useful question for this reflection is ”What did you become aware of during this task?” Another, more demanding question is ”What did you learn from this task?” A third question could be “What surprised you about this task?” The purpose of the reflection is that several participants, not only some, share their thinking and experiences; in other words, the common reflection should not be limited to hearing the experiences of a few active participants. The participants become accustomed to quieter moments that give them time to think. When the reflection part is completed, every participant has gained an understanding of word-for-word continuation, or the dialogue chain, which enables them to continue practising in real life situations.