The Significance of Emulation in the Oral Interaction Between Teacher and Students

The lack of attention to the role of emotions generally has
led modern learning theories to neglect the importance of
emulation as a pedagogical support to students’ learning.
One reason could be that the influence of teacher personality
is not considered in relation to learning outcome. Another
reason may be that the concept of emulation has been used
as a psychological conception for one-way transmission.
From a pedagogical rhetorical perspective, it is here argued
that emulation and its pedagogical function is rooted in three
human conditions: the biological, moral and political. The
framework for this reasoning is discussed, as well as
historical changes in pedagogical focus. Finally, it is
concluded that the educative character of the teacher has a
crucial impact on how willing students are to interact and
share the teachers’ knowledge, skills and values. Therefore,
there is a need for a greater awareness of these aspects to be
developed among teachers.