Continuous Constructive Conversation(CCC)

“Okay, so what do we discuss?” A question that is frequently asked, even after multiple iterations to the tone, language, content and even syntax of your instruction. And if some manage to trace a meaningful direction to the chatter in the group, they may let it hanging within and leave the sight of discussion, which could have otherwise become a space of discovery. Often in classrooms, workshops, meetings, and even on dinner tables, I’ve met with a lot of confusion about what exactly needs to be talked about, and if that is in place, then how must that be discussed to arrive at or build a possible understanding. The craft of making a conversation insightful is like that of making clay pots on a wheel. The spokes of the wheel concentrate energy in the centre while in motion, a few able fingers cup the clay, laying emphasis and letting lose wherever required, the clay shapes up and rises in the centre, which is then cut gently, while it is still tender, taken for blazing and finally ornamented for display or use. It takes a process as purposeful as this to drive any intended meet towards a constructive outcome. It takes facilitated and persistent engagement in conversations for this process to flourish into a habit of the mind. And it takes an ardent practice of constructive conversations to build a spirit of empathy, and a culture of collective action towards causes small and large, affecting immediate or extended lives, in the world that surrounds us and the one that even doesn’t. As an educator, I speak for collective practices, and for the purpose of education to lie in developing habits of the mind and the body. I speak for an environment which insists learners to observe, identify, analyse, realise and design. I speak for this process to be woven in classroom routines and home assignments. I speak for learning emerging from continuous constructive conversations, and for the transformation of this learning into knowledge to inform choices in the world beyond school. I speak for it as the need of the hour today and the hours lost yesterday in unproductive meets and superficial talks between agencies of power. I speak for its potential for large scale changes. I speak for its urgency and relevance in Kashmir. I speak for its significance in our daily routines. I speak for it now and I will speak more tomorrow.