ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a case study of Pat describes how a pupil with little confidence can begin a dialogue in learning provided that a nurturing environment prevails. Faced with a new learning environment, the girls seem anxious to recall reassuringly secure days. Such exchanges between teacher and pupil are the foundations for a trusting relationship without which no meaningful learning can develop. A teacher offering warm regard towards a new class may find that the pupils remain distrustful if they have experienced a hurtful relationship between teacher and pupils The style of discourse involves the teacher repeating some of the boys' replies to 'mirror' their fears to them. Similar to the 'free-floating attention' of therapy, this technique allows the teacher to engage in active listening during which she is able to retain a capacity for contemplation and reflection while at the same time, remaining intuitively receptive.
