In particular, the proposed typology suggests that dialogue that covers a range of
topics is likely to promote successful learning. The typology may help programme
designers and tutors to categorise a list of frequently asked questions and appropriate
responses as a resource for tutors/and or learners.
Limitations and future research
The typology needs to be considered within the context LtW’s blended learning
approach where learners communicate via media, such as personal e-mail, telephone
and face-to-face meetings as well as the dialogue facility. As none of these
communications was logged, recorded or analysed, we accessed only a portion of the
many possible dialogues between learners and tutors. It is also important to reiterate
that this paper describes work in progress. The typology needs to be considered in
relation to dialogues between tutors and learners working at entry level four, where
widening participation issues are likely to arise. Further analysis of dialogue data
using different research methods is needed to illuminate the tutoring process and the
evolution of ideas through a chain of exchanges on a particular topic. Comparative case
studies might explore differences and similarities in tutoring style; a narrative
approach could illuminate learners’ progress through Salmon’s (2001) stages and
discourse analysis could be used to access the progression of particularly meaningful
or extended dialogues.