Deliberations

I'd always associated the word deliberate with striving for a group consensus, especially on a jury. I've even served on a trial jury.

Then one day in 2006, during Masters degree study about collaborative learning theories, I went googling for a scholarly reference regarding small group communications. The book that looked most useful was listed on a syllabus for a course by US-based Professor John Gastil. Without introduction, I just emailed him.

Twenty minutes later I received an enthusiastic reply, with a bonus. I had stumbled upon the co-editor of another book, the essential The Deliberative Democracy Handbook and an introduction to Professor Lyn Carson at the university where I was doing my degree. With a simple communicative act of inquiry, I created a new future for myself. Within weeks I was working as her research assistant and exploring the link between learning and public participation in political decision-making. I am also fortunate to work for John too, as I head towards a doctorate. I have to pinch myself.

This blog contains the breadcrumbs of my journey. It's about my learning, my beliefs, my constant thinking aloud, and what I care about. Sometimes I just archive what I find. My wife and two young daughters are always with me, although oblivious to my academic and professional commitments. The challenge of planting the seeds for public deliberation starts in my own home.

On occasion, I'll turn on the webcam and let it run here while I'm talking to somebody on the Plain Old Telephone System. It's a window into my house in Melbourne where I work and play.

Feel free to leave a comment of support or critique on any my blog posts. As has been said before, I blog to think.

Sincerely,

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