Abstract: This paper aims at presenting the influence of classical, educational principles of rhetoric on the Toastmasters educational program. Toastmasters is an eminent, international organization which aims at instilling communication and leadership skills in its members in a constructionist and pressure-free educational setting. In this context, the ancient theory de ratione dicendi seems to be perfectly applied, interwoven with modern communication theories on public speaking. The research reveals that traditional rhetorical principles and practices continue to be the necessary equipment that each member of Toastmasters should acquire in order to become successful in public speaking. The statistical analysis of the questionnaire given to the active members of the Hellenic Toastmasters Club brings out their profile, their interests and the multiplicity of benefits that are expected to be received in the above educational setting.

Key words: Toastmasters, communication (skills), leadership (skills), public speaking, adult education, lifelong learning

Abstract: According to the genre-based approach to writing, modeling of a ‘target’-genre consists of a useful tool for teaching and learning in language arts. The current study makes part of a broader research concerning teaching experimental strategies for fostering argumentative writing to 25 eleven years-old pupils of a Greek elementary school (case research). Purpose of the study was to examine the influence of an original structural model, “the train of argumentation”, as methodological tool in the context of a socially constructed classroom, to the pupils’ argumentative writing. The proposed model was influenced by Toulmin and used the “journey metaphor” of argumentation for providing pupils with the necessary knowledge about structural exigencies of argumentative genre. Statistical analysis of data proved: a) a significant augmentation of argumentative text structure awareness and b) a significant increase in the use of connective devices inserted in the pupils’ written argumentative texts.
Keywords: genre, argumentative writing, metaphor, model, literacy, elementary school, rhetoric,
structure.

EGGLEZOU-JOURNAL-RHETORIC-AND-COMMUNICATION

Abstract: The current paper intends to call for an educational rhetorical turn in school practice in the
modern educational settings. This goal will be achieved at two levels: theory and praxis. Firstly, at the
theory level, the diachronic value of rhetorical paideia (παιδεία) / pedagogy will be shown through the
examination of its classical teachings as diachronic sources for empowering the learning and teaching
process. Also, the correlation of classical rhetoric to the principles of modern pedagogical theories, will show the inborn pedagogical nature of rhetoric and its main essential qualities.
Secondly, at the praxis level, reference will be made to the use of various oral rhetorical activities as
implemented in classrooms world-wide. Interpretive reading, practice in impromptu speech, exhortative speech and, mainly, in argumentation represent modern features of rhetorical paideia. Undoubtedly, within the core of rhetorical paideia stands the teaching of argument through various linguistic games and forms of debates, affirming the Protagorean conception that dittoi logoi/(debate) still consist of a precious pedagogical and epistemic methods, which increase students’ knowledge in various fields about the word and the world.
Nowadays, more than ever, it is necessary for educators and students to rehabilitate the relationship
between education and rhetoric. In contrast to stagnant curriculums, monotonous teaching practices, passive approaches to learning and to life, rhetorical paideia is, still, the only revolutionary educational approach for the formation of skillful, integral, critical persons, who may affront effectively the challenges of life both as individuals and as collective characters in the modern world.
Keywords: rhetorical paideia/pedagogy, theory, praxis, interpretive reading, impromptu speech,
exhortative speech, argumentation, dittoi logoi/(debate).

Rhetorical_paedeia_in_modern_educational (3)

Within the context of the current research, our interest will be focused on two, distant in time pedagogical approaches, which emphatically underline the need as well as the possibility of students’ empowerment both as individuals and citizens: a) rhetorical paideia and b) critical pedagogy. In particular, we intend to examine whether the exchange of arguments within a debate may connect critical pedagogy to the teachings of classical rhetorical paideia, which begins with the sophistic movement (Egglezou, 2017). We firmly believe that such an attempt could contribute
to the pedagogical empowerment of students as critical thinkers and active citizens within the modern educational system.

Debate_at_the_edge_of_critical_pedagogy. Egglezou