Learning by Teaching through Polylogues: Training Expert Communication in Information and Knowledge Societies Using LdL (Lernen durch Lehren)

Abstract

In our global information and knowledge societies, the individual is confronted with various communicative challenges whenever global problems are concerned. Not only is there
a need for generalists who are able to quickly develop into specialists on a given subject, but also for specialists who, for successful knowledge transfer, are competent in communicating their specific knowledge both to other experts and to laypersons. In this context, the teaching concept LdL (Lernen durch Lehren – ‘Learning by Teaching’) can be regarded as one possible way of preparing students at schools or universities for the above-mentioned demands. The basic idea is that a learner or a small group of learners specializes on a certain topic and teaches the other members of the group in an interactive polylogic way. This concept is thus supposed to provide students with necessary communicative and other skills for tolerant and empathetic knowledge management and networking. The article gives an overview of the theoretical basis and the principles of LdL and, in a second step, illustrates its practical application in university classes. The effectiveness and efficiency of LdL for training expert-expert and expert-layperson communication are demonstrated
for linguistics and literary studies using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The article ends with recommendations for the organization of LdL lessons.