Creating Dialogue-Based Transformational Communities of Learners via Synchronous Online Education

A learner-centered and dialogue-based pedagogical style is suitable not only for the in-person university classroom but also highly adaptable to the synchronous online learning environment. The person-centered values and practices of Warmth, Empathy, and Genuineness can establish the core of a safe container for holding meaningful synchronous online classroom dialogues around central course subject matters. When these three core conditions are successfully established and perceived, and accompanied by the additional dialogue values and practices of Vulnerability, Imagination & Improvisation, Present-Centeredness, Equality, and Suspending, then caring and cohesive synchronous online transformational learning communities are achievable by and for today’s students. Course evaluation data consistent with this claim are offered in this case report, along with further reflections on the facilitation of high-quality dialogue within the electronic classroom environment. Keywords: transformative education, synchronous online delivery, dialogue, person-centered approach, student-centered learning