Improving participation equity in dialogic collaborative problem solving: A participatory visual learning analytical approach

Background

The existing research on dialogue-based learning and teaching predominantly highlights its capacity to yield productive educational outcomes, yet it often overlooks the pivotal factor of participation equity, which is fundamental to ensuring the efficacy of dialogic teaching and learning.

Objectives

In this study, participation equity refers to a condition in which participation itself and opportunities to participate are fairly distributed among participants and all participants are equally listened to and respected. We designed a technology-enhanced participatory visual learning analytical approach to promote equitable participation in dialogic collaborative problem solving from four dimensions: participation (i.e., ensuring equal contributions from all participants), opportunity (i.e., promoting equal engagement with others), responsiveness (i.e., encouraging equal attentiveness and responsiveness to others' input), and respect (i.e., cultivating a respectful communication style).

Methods

The intervention class of fourth-grade students (n = 59) interacted with a participatory visual learning analytical tool to reflect on their participation equity and learn productive peer talk moves to address equity issues concerning the four dimensions, while a comparison class (n = 59) only received simple feedback on participation and respect.

Results

The results indicated that equal participation rates among group members were insufficient to secure participation equity. The intervention was effective in helping students realize and address equity-related issues. Intervention students were more equitable regarding responsiveness and participation opportunity than the comparison students.

Conclusions

The proposed multidimensional participation equity framework has the potential to deepen the understanding of equity and promote equitable learning interactions.