Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. *** The importance of supporting children in the transitions of the school stage allows for a full and satisfactory student life. The Ecuadorian educational system has three stages: early education, basic education, and high school. Children begin their academic careers at 37 months (3 years of age) and, throughout their academic school life, they will go through different moments and transitions. In this month’s article, we will go through these moments of transition to offer some useful ideas for mothers and fathers, so that their presence and support contribute to making school and…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D.  ***  If we want to live in more egalitarian societies that promote peaceful coexistence, a good start is to be aware that our words make others visible. Relatively recently, in Latin American countries, an interesting topic has emerged: the convenience, or not, of using inclusive language. Voices, from time to time, are raised, some in a mocking tone and others with extreme seriousness, about whether it is correct to end nouns with the letter “e” (todes, advocade, ingeniere), whether it is a fad, a matter of real inclusion, or language aesthetics. The RAE…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A When we want to dialogue, we open ourselves, we give ourselves over; when we invite or accept the invitation to a dialogue, a different process begins, for us and our interlocutors. It is a process where the questions connect with each other’s authenticity and generate, in a rhizomatic way, the emergence of new meanings and possibilities. There is a world that is inaugurated the moment that the space of this encounter begins to be inhabited with the words of those who commit themselves to this conversation that -like all significant conversations- is each…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A Probably, the richest literature in terms of consistency, contributions, and possibilities on these topics can be found in the philosophical, epistemological, broad, deep, and inspiring research proposals, theory and practice, relational ethics, and reflective pragmatics developed by Dora Fried Schnitman, Ph.D. and Harlene Anderson, Ph.D. Both of them, are among our wisest, most generous, intelligent, and fun teachers. And, of course, in the numerous publications of the TAOS INSTITUTE, with the transcendental contributions (admired teachers and friends) of Kenneth Gergen, Ph.D., Sheila McNamee, Ph.D., John Shotter, Ph.D., Silvia London, M.A., Marilene Grandesso, Ph.D.…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. The leaderships that enthrone the dictatorship of intransigence are hidden behind discourses of productivity, success, perfectionism, meritocracy, results, and all the paraphernalia of those who abuse their power and privileges. They manage to impose alienating work and lifestyle styles. These abusive hierarchical structures oppress, subjugate, and dispossess. Mediocre and ignorant bosses, owners of their emotional underdevelopment, maintain the hierarchy as if it were a value deserving of respect. They are experts in exacerbating the feeling that the pathetic existence of puppets is a panacea for the majority of citizens without stable, well-paid work…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. and Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. Over the years, we have developed consultancies, seminars, and workshops on authentic, intelligent, creative leadership in this and other countries. Our approach is from a dialogic, relational, and transformative position, emphasizing reflective pragmatics. We operate from a professional and relational ethic, with a methodology based on respect for the dignity of individuals. One of the challenges we have found is that people accustomed to modernist epistemologies—who view labor, organizational, and educational relationships as hierarchical issues of control and power—find it difficult to open up to learning something different. These individuals, stuck in their…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. They are biases, often unconscious, that manifest themselves in gender relations and cause women to be affected. Gender-based violence does not arise in recent times or due to the rise of telecommunications. It is a reality that has been growing and developing in our society over the centuries and that is fed by cultural conceptions, beliefs, ideology, and even science itself, which often supports concepts and ideas that have led to behaviors and misunderstandings in which women are at a disadvantage. This years-long process is the breeding ground for so-called “unconscious biases,” which…

Relational and Social Constructionist Consortium of Ecuador (IRYSE) Maritza Crespo Balderrama, M.A. and Diego Tapia Figueroa, Ph.D. It is a common problem that can occur in the areas in which we operate. Facing it intelligently and getting out of this situation positively is possible. Violence, in its different manifestations, is an evil that afflicts contemporary societies. It is enough to watch the news on television or listen to what certain people say to recognize that, unfortunately, many (couple, family, work, or friendship) relationships are marked by the signs of a culture of abuse. Although this is the case, it is common for both women and men not to know how…