ABSTRACT
A polyphonic attitude is the ability to hear varying voices and to integrate them simultaneously. This chapter argues that a polyphonic attitude comprises a basic academic literacy skill, which is necessary for successful performance of the complex practice of teaching. It discusses the relevance and necessity of the multisonic ability in the teachers’ work. Specifically to the pedagogical discussion, Joseph Schwab argues that the pluralistic approach within the practical domain is the only one suitable for a teacher’s work in class, as it is the only one that can even start to respond to the necessary richness and complexity of the actual concrete moment in class. Significantly, Schwab’s analysis of teaching integrates the academic aspects of plurality of theories and texts into the practical plurality present in class. The teacher, analogically, should give room to different student voices expressing facts and opinions, thoughts, feelings, questions, and insights.
