"En donnant à nos élèves la pratique de parler avec les autres, nous leur donnons des cadres pour penser par eux-mêmes"

At its heart, this idea is about the power of conversation in education. When students talk with others, it isn’t just about social skills. It’s about how those interactions help them form and refine their own thoughts. Talking with others provides a structure—a frame—on which they can build, adjust, and solidify their own thinking.

To understand why this is important, let’s dip into a bit of history. This quote aligns with philosophies from educational theorists like Lev Vygotsky, who emphasized social interaction as a fundamental part of cognitive development. According to Vygotsky, when students engage in dialogue, they aren't just sharing information; they’re actually developing their ability to think critically and independently.

Think about a real-life example: Imagine a high school debate team. When students prepare for a debate, they spend hours discussing their topics, formulating arguments, and anticipating counterarguments. They practice with their teammates, challenge each other’s ideas, and refine their thoughts through these interactions. By the time they get to the actual debate, they’ve not only learned the content but have also developed their capacity to think on their feet, articulate their thoughts clearly, and consider different perspectives. This process of talking with others has given them a framework to think independently and critically.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in everyday life? Encourage conversations. If you’re a teacher, create opportunities for students to discuss and debate in class. Use group work, peer reviews, and open discussions as tools, not just to fill time, but to genuinely develop thinking skills. If you’re a parent, engage your children in conversations about various topics. Ask them open-ended questions and give them the space to express their thoughts. The goal is to foster an environment where dialogue is a natural and regular part of learning.

Here's a relatable scenario to bring this concept to life. Picture a family dinner where everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts on a current event. Let’s say the topic is climate change. Each family member—regardless of age—gets a chance to speak. The parents share their views, then ask the kids for their opinions. The children might start with simple ideas, but as they listen and respond to their parents and siblings, their thoughts become more nuanced. They start asking questions, considering different angles, and forming their own, more complex opinions. This isn’t just about the topic at hand; it’s about teaching them to think critically and independently.

In essence, by fostering dialogue, we’re not just helping students communicate better. We’re giving them the tools to think more deeply and clearly on their own. It’s like giving them a key to unlock their potential. When they talk, they’re not just speaking—they’re learning to frame and understand their own thoughts. And that’s a gift that keeps on giving.