Diversity, dialogic pedagogy and intersubjectivity in the classroom: Contributions from the Global South

Abstract

Diversity of voice is contentious in accounting education with marginalised groups remaining on the periphery. This study reflects on significant issues of diversity, dialogic pedagogy and intersubjective exchanges by investigating an unpleasant teaching experience between Miguel, a Black, gay early career accounting educator, and his students in a classroom in Brazil. The study draws on collective biography methodology to analyse Miguel’s memories of his teaching experiences. Three main findings emerged. First, the lack of institutional support and the feeling of not being recognised by the institution, peers and students impacted Miguel’s confidence, educational strategies, and ability to facilitate the learning process among his students. Second, Miguel’s educational changes had almost no impact on students’ motivation and willingness to engage in dialogue, where the students responded with silence and absence during the lectures and seminars. Finally, assessment emerged as a key point of resistance where students confronted the educator. Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy, originating from the Global South, informs our analysis of intersubjective exchanges between the educator and students, dialogic pedagogy and emancipation in a diverse classroom. The results highlight the importance of institutional support for diverse faculty members, not only for their academic development but to enhance students’ learning and diverse experiences in the classroom. Drawing on Freire’s dialogue and intersubjectivity, we further reflect on how the lack of intersubjective exchanges between educator and students, due to diverse backgrounds, constrain dialogic pedagogical approaches, and argue for further consideration of this topic by accounting researchers advocating for more diverse accounting practices.