Arguing with technique

Arguments between children at school are a problem for teachers; they disrupt the class balance, they cause annoyance and mean that time and energy is diverted away from teaching and learning. To help them, Daniele Novara has come up with Good arguments, the innovative maieutic method for managing children’s arguments presented in this book together with the first experimental pedagogical research, conducted at a national and international level together with Caterina Di Chio, which demonstrates its effectiveness.
Whilst adults are often afraid of the explosion of energy which is released during arguments, children have incredible resources, which are activated and put into play: they are able to embrace the emotions and experiences of their peers, to come to creative and satisfactory agreements and to learn from this experience, which is so common and so rich in developmental potential.
This book offers theory and practice on an innovative method for effectively managing difficulties in class, improving the class balance and relationships and helping children to develop precious, long-lasting learning and resources. Because, like Emma, aged 9, said, «grown ups think that arguing is no good but I think it can teach you about life».

By putting into everyday practice the suggestions given in this book, teachers, educators and parents will be able to:
– successfully deal with arguments between children:
– allow the children to develop new relationship capabilities;
– gain a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere;
– implement their own pedagogical competences, freeing up resources and energy to better perform their own educational role.