The Power of Silence: an enquiry through fictional writing

Abstract

Abstract The paper represents an attempt to open up a new field of practitioner enquiry through the use of fictional writing. It explores the power relationships between the tutor and participants on an in‐service course and how these develop as the tutor attempts to shift responsibility away from himself as ‘teacher’ and towards the ‘learners’. Episodes of silence during the reflective discussions of the group are seen as being of particular significance in its dynamic and in the changing awareness of both tutor and participants. In order to investigate the quality and significance of these silences, a fictional form of enquiry is employed. The case for using this form, together with its chief characteristics, are outlined in the first part of the paper. The major part of the paper then consists of a fictional account which explores and illuminates these issues of power in teaching and learning relationships.