Dialogical Learning Lesson: The High-Speed Hyperloop

From November 13th to 16th, students from Assumption College Samut Prakan, specifically those in the M4 grade, have been talking and learning about groundbreaking technology that will permanently transform the transportation industry.

The purpose of the lesson is not just to understand new technologies and transportation but also to encourage our students to think and communicate on a global scale. Although this section of the unit is labeled "reading," I've titled this article around the theme of dialogue. Dialogical learning is a fantastic teaching method developed by Paulo Freire in the 1960s, gaining popularity in the 21st century alongside learner-centered learning and student empowerment. These methodologies acknowledge that students have their thoughts, opinions, and knowledge. Dialogical learning aims to teach students by showing interest in them and providing a platform for their voice, emphasizing that engaging and guiding them is more crucial than simply lecturing.

As evident in the photos, in our discussion about The High-Speed Hyperloop, we examined images related to the tube, shuttle, and other relevant vocabulary like "freight." We talked about the article, its implications for the future, and how other countries and projects are undertaking similar work. We also delved into semantics, analyzing words to understand their entire meanings, breaking them down to their basic forms, and then reconstructing them in different ways. This process highlights the diversity and creativity of language, assisting students in developing their communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity.

After our in-depth discussion, students are able to complete the activities in their Cambridge textbooks. They read through the article again, scanning for relevant information and apply these to their written tasks. After the activities are completed, the student books are checked for any errors, and the students are aided in any corrections that may be required. All in all, the students practice speaking, reading, critical thinking and writing, all while cultivating student empowerment and globalized thinking.