Dialogue Mapping and Collaborative Learning

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concepts, principles and application of dialogue mapping. Dialogue mapping is a visual thinking tool for facilitating group meetings using a shared display. Experience of using dialogue mapping as well as other types of shared display in small-group discussion are discussed. The results, benefits and limitations of using different kinds of shared display in small-group discussion are compared and examined. Dialogue mapping produces better collaboration and shared understanding among students during discussion than using other shared displays. The impact of dialogue mapping on collaborative learning is explored. Factors influencing the effectiveness of group meetings in problem-based learning are also discussed.