Authentic Conversations

Authentic Conversations: A Teacher and Student Discuss Five Important Topics in Education

Andrew C. Burrow and Emma C. Hill
Peter Lang, Quarter 1 2026, 50,000 words (~150 pages)
Cover and summary below are subject to change at printing

A wide range of publications thoughtfully incorporate student voice through excerpts, summaries, and case studies. In this book, readers are invited to continue ongoing conversations about important topics in education by experiencing student voice in a new way: first, a student has the autonomy and uninterrupted space to share her own perspectives about five important topics in education. These topics are (1) teachers’ and students’ perceptions of each other; (2) questions and answers; (3) grading; (4) three types of work: classwork, homework, and busywork; and (5) participation. Then, alongside her perspectives, her former teacher shares his perspectives about the same topics. Last, they share their perspectives with each other and respond. Within these meaningful conversations, they learn from each other, identify and challenge assumptions, and discover better ways of thinking and doing. Writing in a clear and accessible style, the authors focus on description rather than prescription so that readers can continue the conversations within their own educational contexts. Secondary-level (grades 6–12) teachers, students, administrators, and other stakeholders will find this book most useful, but such members in educational communities of all ages will benefit from reading these conversations. This project, which began for the authors' benefit, now is available for the benefit of all as a book.