I'm back.

Before I move into the third stage i.e the Interpretative or 'why' stage, I just want to say that through the course of dialogue some unexpected things can emerge. For example during the first stage it was noted that the t.v. and cooker were on and this, along with the standard lamp, brought up the subjects of the cost of energy; living on a pension and the need for adults sharing a home to contribute to expenses.

Anyway, during the Interpretative stage the situation is increasingly seen and understood in its wider context. This stage, I think, is extremely important as in our daily lives we are not encouraged to ask 'why' questions and most of the new learning will emerge here. It is a good idea to have a person recording this session who will listen out for any themes and/or contradictions and who will represent them at the end. Now we look at why the situation in the picture is as it is? Why does the grandma and the daughter feel the way they do? Why has such a situation become more common in today's world? Why should society care? Also, by now participants will have gained more confidence and should move on from responding to the facilitator and begin to question themselves and each other. Dialogue moves backwards and forwards between the picture and aspects of people's experience and knowledge. If particular specialized knowledge is needed, resource people can be invited in to add to the 'pool'. The final stage is the Action Stage and I will write about this when I return.