How can dialogue become a tool for improving education, bringing communities together and reducing social exclusion? The Dive In Dialogue project, co-funded by Erasmus+, has demonstrated through the development of dialogic gatherings that dialogue can transcend borders and create a space for the exchange of knowledge and the building of bridges between individuals.

Although the project was primarily aimed at pupils at the primary school level, we also tested the dialogical methodology with adult learners (and we are also successfully transferring it through the activities of the A-CLASE project), especially in the context of group discussions on the topic of intercultural understanding and personal development. Adult participants showed an extremely positive response, confirming the method's flexibility and effectiveness.

After several years of successful cooperation of partners from Slovenia, Greece, North Macedonia, Hungary, Serbia and Spain, the project is ending with a final conference on December 11, 2024 (15.30–17.00, online).

Key results of the Dive In Dialogue project

The project has created a rich legacy that is dedicated to both adult learning and wider educational processes:

1. Materials Library

   An extensive library of resources has been developed, which includes adapted materials for conducting dialogic gatherings in different contexts. Extensive Resource Library includes adapted materials for conducting dialogue sessions, which are also useful for adult learners.

   Participants and practitioners have access to:

• Artistic, literary and scientific works that support the debate.
• Practical manuals for organizing gatherings.

• Examples of good practices from partner countries. 

  The library is freely accessible and provides tools for organising dialogue meetings in a variety of contexts, including adult education.

2. E-book

   The e-book is the central result of the project, which combines methodological guidelines, scientific basis and practical experience with the implementation of dialogue meetings. 

   The emphasis is on the flexibility of the method and its application in various areas, such as:

• Literary gatherings to develop critical thinking.
• Artistic gatherings to encourage creativity.

• Discussions on intercultural understanding to promote connection and empathy.

  The e-book also includes teachers' stories and concrete activities that are equally suitable for adult learners and different learning situations. The book also includes teachers' stories, as well as descriptions of concrete activities and their impact on learners.

3. Informative videos

   To better promote the method, we have prepared a series of short videos that present in a simple way:

• Basics of Dialogic Gatherings.
• Steps to implement them.

• Benefits of use in a variety of educational settings, including adult education.

  The videos are designed for both beginners and those who want to further deepen the method.

4. Discord community

We have established a Discord platform, where facilitators of dialogue meetings can connect, exchange experiences and explore ways to adapt the method to adult education. This is where the facilitators of the Dialogic Gatherings can connect, exchange experiences and ask questions. The community is designed as a living knowledge base that allows the method to be adapted and disseminated in new environments.

Final conference – a space for discussion and inspiration

The final conference will shed light on the key achievements of the project and explore opportunities for further application of dialogic methodologies.

The event will include:

• Presentations of the key results of the project.
• The experiences of teachers who have introduced the method to their classrooms – among them the story of Barbara Jordan, who successfully adapted the method to her students.
• Practical tips for organizing dialogue meetings.
• An expert's contribution that will shed light on the wider possibilities of using the method.

Simultaneous translation and recording

In order to make the event accessible to the widest possible range of participants, simultaneous translation into Slovenian, Greek, Macedonian and Spanish will be provided. A recording of the event will also be available at a later date, allowing for further promotion of the project's results.

Opportunity to learn and connect

We invite you to join the event, which will be an opportunity to learn new ideas, network with other experts and exchange good practices. You can apply here.

Dive In Dialogue is not just a project – it is a movement that proves that dialogue opens the door to a more inclusive, educated and connected society.

Belinda Lovrenčič (belinda.lovrencic@ric-nm.si) is an adult education assistant at the Development and Education Centre Novo mesto, with experience in adult education and in managing and participating in Erasmus+ international projects.