AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

In an age dominated by algorithms, disinformation, and increasing political polarisation, the role of the classroom in fostering democratic habits of thought is more critical than ever. Drawing on Connell’s work and a critical feminist lens, this presentation argues that without a conscious effort to challenge patriarchy, imperialism, and capitalist structures, schools risk reproducing them. 

Social justice research in education reinforces the valuable role of teachers using dialogic pedagogical approaches as a transformative approach in schools. This session aims to explore how embedding dialogic pedagogies enables students to interrogate fake news, question inherited assumptions and engage meaningfully in respectful disagreement. Grounded in a commitment to democracy, classrooms should become spaces where students learn not what to think, but how to think. Practical classroom examples will illustrate how these concepts are enacted with students, offering a provocation for educators to reflect on how their pedagogy shapes the world. By using classroom dialogue as a tool for empowerment, teachers create a culture to help students question injustice, challenge dominant narratives, and actively participate in building a fairer and more inclusive world.