Conversation Theory is a theory that emphasises on the importance of interactions that individuals engage in to develop their knowledge and understanding of various concepts.
We, humans, interact with everything around us. Individuals engage in interactions with other individuals or groups of individuals, tools, machines or even artificial intelligence. The role of interactions or conversations in the construction of knowledge has been well known. In the process, many theories and models related to instructional design and learning styles have been devised and eventually became famous. Conversation Theory is one such theory. This theory emphasises the significance of interactions or conversations that individuals engage in to develop their knowledge and understanding of various concepts. This theory is transdisciplinary and was initiated by Gordan Pask in 1975.
Pask’s interest in Cybernetics laid the framework for the development of Conversation Theory. Cybernetics is the science of conversations and control theory which deals with comparing automatic control systems such as the brain, the nervous system, electrical and mechanical communication systems. Conversation learning is considered a natural requirement – “it must be so”. Therefore, the exposition of Pask’s Conversation Theory can be normatively applied to design and evaluate technology-supported human learning programs. Conversation Theory is related to developing a quasi-intelligent tutoring system that enables students to understand the complex real potential system processes of the ecosystem.
Conversation Theory aims to describe the interactions that occur within or between two or more cognitive systems. The fundamental concept behind this theory is the idea that the presence of a subject matter expert facilitates learning through conversations and makes knowledge explicit. It further explains how the systems engage in a dialogue over a given concept and identifies differences in the way they understand it. Conversation Theory works on the dialectical approach. Dialectics is a structure based on two opposing principles, ideas, or structures. In this case, the parties involved in the conversation constitute dialectical opposites. As in the general dialectical process, the two parties, initially in a state of opposition, achieve integration through interaction. It describes and interprets the emergence of knowledge through multi-level dialogue oriented to agreements between participants and is supported by modelling facilities and appropriate communication and action interfaces; therefore, it is also a very practical epistemology.
Conversations can be conducted at several different levels, such as:
In order to facilitate the process of learning, the subject matter should be represented in structures that would indicate what is to be learned. Three principles are outlined which facilitate the understanding of Conversation Theory. These are:
‘Teach Back’ is the most prominent method of learning through the Conversation Theory in which one person attempts to teach another person what they have learned.
Embibe Product/Features: Live Doubt Resolution, Parent App, Teacher App with JioMeet
Embibe’s ‘Live Doubt Resolution’ feature covers all aspects of Conversation Theory. It is a two-way process and students can access it any time of the day to resolve any doubt they might be facing while learning something. A review of the conversations so far suggests that the students seek validation and appreciation from the experts on their progress and derive motivation from their experiences. Similarly, Embibe provides a ‘Parent App’, especially for parents, so that a student’s learning process can be adequately evaluated and rewarded. Embibe‘s ‘Teacher App’ with JioMeet also emphasises conversation between teachers and students.
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