Analysing Dialogue in STEM Classrooms in Ecuador: A Dual Socioeconomic Context in a High School

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths education (STEM Education) is presented as a way to reduce marginalisation and promote inclusion in developing countries. This qualitative study aims to identify ways of reducing marginality and promoting inclusion through dialogic and transformative learning by high school teachers of the New Harvest School (NHS), particularly in STEM Education. Method: The study was carried out within the framework of the critical social approach identifying four characteristics of dialogism. The data comprised ethnographic observations of classes, and interviews with the selected teachers, the vice-chancellor and the administrator of the institution. Results: The dialogic characteristics of sequentiality, positioning, historicity and plurality were found in the science classes taught by the institution. Teachers have curricular knowledge capabilities regarding STEM education; however, recommendations were presented regarding the dialogic training that teachers should have, which made this study particularly relevant for improving teachers’ skills in this field. This article suggests options to create spaces for the use of educational dialogue and a liberating practice of education.