Cultivating Dialogue in Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia within the Context of Academic Freedom

Abstract

This article will provide an entry into the cultivation of policy dialogue skills between lecturers and students, and university authorities within the context of academic freedom. The position that is strongly advanced is that an understanding of, and experience with policy dialogue is critical to the attainment of academic freedom in higher learning institutions. Therefore, this paper will raise an argument in favor of this position. In this regard, this article will present an understanding for integrating dialogue and academic freedom. Furthermore, this article will highlight intersecting themes; dialogue as a competency for achieving academic freedom, dialogue as a primary value for academic freedom and dialogue as constitutive of academic freedom itself. These themes will help to position dialogue within the context of academic freedom.

Key Words: Academic Freedom; Dialogue Skills, Policy; Cultivating Dialogue